What happens if you work while on unemployment - Washington ESD reporting requirements?

So if my weekly benefit is $400, I can earn up to $405 gross and still get my full $400 benefit?

Exactly! Anything over $405 gross would reduce your benefit amount. It's not dollar for dollar though - they use a specific calculation.

Oh no! How did they find out about the unreported work?

they cross-reference with employer payroll records and tax filings. eventually everything gets caught up in the system

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication issue.

I think it's worth it if you need to talk to someone urgently. Way better than spending hours redialing their main number.

I might try that if I can't figure out the partial benefit calculation online.

This is super helpful! So I would still get some benefits even while working part-time.

wait, I thought they just cut off your benefits completely if you work at all?

@profile7 No, that's a common misconception. Washington allows partial benefits as long as you're still considered partially unemployed and meet the other requirements.

My part-time job is evenings only, so I'm still available for full-time day jobs. Should be okay then?

That sounds fine, but you still need to be actively searching for full-time work and meet your weekly job search requirements.

Have you had any issues with Washington ESD questioning your part-time work?

Nope, as long as you report it correctly each week they don't care. It's when people try to hide work that problems happen.

Yes, if you become fully employed you should stop filing weekly claims. You can always reopen your claim if the job doesn't work out within the benefit year.

Good to know, thanks!

I couldn't find that calculator on their site. Do you have a direct link?

I can't remember the exact page, but I think it's in the 'Resources' section or maybe under 'Weekly Claims

Really? What happened exactly?

The calculator said I'd get $150 but they only gave me $89. When I asked why, they said the calculator was outdated and didn't account for some policy change.

That's why it's always better to call and talk to an actual person when you have questions about calculations.

Did they help clarify the partial benefit rules for you?

Yeah, the agent walked me through exactly how to report my freelance income. Much clearer than trying to figure it out from their website.

My part-time job is regular W-2 employment, so I should be good with the standard reporting.

What are the different rules for gig work? I've been doing some Instacart deliveries.

@profile14 You report net earnings (after expenses) rather than gross, and it's usually based on when you actually get paid, not when you do the work.

That's a good point I hadn't thought about. What if you work Sunday but don't get paid until the following week?

You report it for the week you worked, even if the paycheck comes later. Washington ESD is very specific about this.

What kind of records should I keep besides pay stubs?

I keep a simple spreadsheet with dates worked, hours, and gross pay for each week. Takes 2 minutes to update and saved my butt during an overpayment review.

How many job searches do you need to do while working part-time?

Same as everyone else - 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Part-time work doesn't change that requirement.

Correct - you're still considered partially unemployed so all the regular requirements apply.

Good to hear another positive review. I might give it a try if I run into issues.

Is it just for Washington or do they work with other states too?

I think they work with multiple states but I only used it for Washington ESD specifically.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about reporting my part-time work correctly now.

Glad this thread helped! Always better to be overcautious with unemployment reporting.