What if I get a job while waiting for Washington ESD unemployment approval?

Yes, you absolutely need to report any work immediately! Even if your claim isn't processed yet, Washington ESD requires you to report all work when you file your weekly claims. The 20 hours might not disqualify you completely - you could still get partial benefits depending on how much you earn.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got a temporary job while my claim was pending. You report the work on your weekly certification and Washington ESD will calculate if you're still eligible for partial benefits. As long as you're honest about the hours and wages, you'll be fine.

Ugh I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and can never get through. The phone system is absolutely terrible - I get disconnected every time after waiting on hold forever.

the key thing is to be totally honest about everything. if you try to hide the work they WILL find out eventually through wage records and then you'll have a big overpayment problem. just report it properly and let them calculate what you're owed

Wait, so if I work part-time I can still get some unemployment? I thought it was all or nothing. This is confusing.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Even with part-time work, you still need to be actively looking for full-time employment and logging your job search activities if Washington ESD requires it for your claim type.

Been there! The waiting is the worst part. My claim took 3 weeks to get approved last year but once it went through everything was fine. Just keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending.

Pro tip: keep detailed records of your work hours and pay from day one. Makes filing your weekly claims much easier and you'll have documentation if there are ever any questions about your eligibility.

The Washington ESD system is so slow right now. I filed 4 weeks ago and mine is still 'under review' too. At least you got a job offer - I'm still looking.

One thing to watch out for - if the part-time job turns into full-time, you need to report that change immediately. Don't wait until your next weekly claim if your hours increase significantly.

honestly the whole system is a mess right now. took forever to get my first payment and then they sent me an overpayment notice 6 months later claiming i reported my wages wrong. make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING

Quick question - does the part-time work affect the waiting week? I'm still serving my waiting week and wondering if working will reset it somehow.

Take the job! Even if it reduces your benefits, having some income and work experience is better than sitting around waiting. Plus it shows Washington ESD you're serious about finding work.

I wish I could find even part-time work right now. The job market is brutal in my field. At least you have something lined up!

Just remember that partial benefits are calculated on your gross earnings, not what you take home after taxes. So if you make $200 gross but only take home $160, they use the $200 for the calculation.

The bottom line is don't overthink it. Report the work honestly on your weekly claim, keep good records, and let Washington ESD do the math. You're doing everything right by asking these questions upfront.

Congratulations on the job offer! I went through something similar and want to echo what others have said - definitely report the work when you file your weekly claim. The good news is that Washington ESD's partial benefit system is actually pretty fair. With 20 hours at part-time wages, you'll likely still qualify for some unemployment benefits. Just make sure to keep track of your exact hours worked and gross pay each week. The online system will walk you through reporting it when you certify. Don't stress too much - you're handling this the right way by asking questions upfront!