Washington ESD unemployment vs underemployment - what's the difference for claims?

You're actually still eligible for unemployment benefits even while working part-time! Washington ESD has partial unemployment benefits for exactly this situation. When you work part-time but earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you can still collect partial UI benefits. You'll need to report your hours and earnings on your weekly claim but you should definitely be eligible for something.

Underemployment isn't a separate benefit program in Washington. It's just a term that describes your situation - working but not enough hours or not at your skill level. For Washington ESD purposes, you're partially unemployed and can get benefits while working part-time.

The key difference is that unemployment is the benefit program, underemployment is just describing your work situation. Washington ESD covers partial unemployment which is what you need. You can work up to a certain amount and still collect benefits. Just make sure to report all your hours and earnings accurately on your weekly claims.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about this exact question and their phone lines are impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there about partial unemployment eligibility?

wait so underemployment is not a real program? i thought there was separate benefits for people who are underemployed vs unemployed

You definitely qualify for partial unemployment benefits! I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Working part-time retail after losing my full-time job. Washington ESD approved my claim and I got partial benefits for months while looking for full-time work. The partial benefits plus my part-time wages actually helped me stay afloat.

The terminology is confusing but here's the breakdown: Unemployment = the government benefit program. Underemployment = working but not enough hours/pay. Partial unemployment = the specific benefit for people who are underemployed. Washington ESD handles all unemployment benefits including partial.

Just went through this process myself. Filed my initial claim online through Washington ESD and marked that I was working part-time. They approved it within 2 weeks. Now I report my hours and earnings every week and get partial benefits. It's been a lifesaver while I search for full-time work.

I hate how confusing Washington ESD makes everything with all these different terms!! Unemployment, underemployment, partial unemployment, standby... it's like they want to make it impossible to understand what you qualify for.

For what it's worth, partial unemployment has been around for decades but not everyone knows about it. You can work part-time and still collect benefits as long as you're actively seeking full-time work that matches your skills and experience. The key is being honest about your earnings and hours on your weekly claims.

The best part about partial unemployment is that it gives you some financial stability while you look for better work. I was able to take my time finding a job that actually matched my skills instead of taking the first desperate offer.

Quick tip - when you file your claim, make sure to mention that you're working part-time but seeking full-time work. Washington ESD needs to know your employment status from the start so they can set up your claim correctly for partial benefits.

Been dealing with Washington ESD for months now and finally got someone on the phone who explained this to me. Took forever to reach them though. Wish there was an easier way to get answers about partial unemployment without waiting on hold for hours.

One thing to keep in mind - your partial unemployment benefits will be based on your previous full-time job wages, not your current part-time wages. So if you were making good money before, your benefit amount should reflect that.

Just to add to what everyone else said - partial unemployment is definitely legitimate and you should apply. Don't let the confusing terminology stop you from getting benefits you're entitled to. The worst they can do is say no, but based on what you've described, you should qualify.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and had the same confusion about unemployment vs underemployment terminology. Glad to know partial unemployment is an option for people working reduced hours.

Just want to emphasize that you should definitely apply ASAP since there's often a waiting period before benefits start. When I was in your exact situation (laid off from full-time, working part-time retail), I wish I had applied sooner. Washington ESD backdates benefits to when you first became eligible, but it's better to get the process started right away. Also, keep detailed records of your part-time hours and earnings - you'll need to report these accurately every week when you file your continued claims.