What is partial unemployment and how does it work in Washington ESD?

That's helpful! So I would still file weekly claims even though I'm working some hours?

Yes exactly, you report your gross earnings each week and Washington ESD calculates your partial benefit automatically.

You're right - partial claimants still need to meet job search requirements unless they're on standby with their current employer. It's usually 3 job contacts per week in Washington.

ok good to know, wasn't sure if the rules were different

Did you have trouble reaching them by phone? I keep hearing the wait times are crazy.

Yeah it was impossible to get through the regular way. I ended up using this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made all the difference for me.

How long can you stay on partial benefits? Is there a limit?

Same as regular UI - you get your full benefit year which is usually 26 weeks in Washington. The partial payments don't extend your claim duration though.

This is super helpful math! So I definitely need to apply then since I'm only making about $500/week now versus my usual $800.

Wait, I thought you had to be completely unemployed to get benefits?

That's a common misconception. Washington ESD specifically allows partial benefits for people working reduced hours. It's designed to help people bridge the gap while looking for full-time work.

Good tip about gross vs net! I would have definitely messed that up.

Yes, always gross earnings before taxes and deductions. That trips up a lot of people.

That can happen if the employer doesn't properly document the hour reduction. Washington ESD looks at both actual hours worked and official employment status. She might need to have her employer clarify the situation.

This happened to me too! Had to get my manager to submit something to ESD explaining the hour cuts were permanent, not just temporary.

Good point! I wasn't planning to get a second job but that's important to know.

yeah they catch everything eventually through wage records, not worth the risk of an overpayment

Glad you're back to full time! How long did it take to get your first partial payment?

About 2 weeks after my first weekly claim, which is pretty standard for Washington ESD.

You should be available for work that doesn't conflict with your current schedule. So applying to Mon-Fri jobs when you work Tues-Thurs could be problematic unless you're willing to quit your current job.

I think the key is being genuinely available for additional work. If you can't actually take a full-time job, that might be an issue.

Seasonal workers can qualify for partial benefits as long as they meet the earnings requirements. The variable hours shouldn't be a problem - you just report what you actually earned each week.

My brother does construction and gets partial UI during slow periods. Works fine as long as he reports honestly.

Same here! Thanks everyone for all the info.

Good luck with your applications! The hardest part is usually just getting started.

Thanks for the follow-up! I bookmarked their site just in case I need it.

How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of waiting on hold forever.

Oh good point! I didn't think about the tax implications.

Yeah, learned that the hard way last year. Set aside about 10% for taxes if you're not having them withheld.

Perfect example! That makes the calculation crystal clear.

This is exactly what I needed to understand. Thank you!

When are the weekly claims due? Is it the same day each week?

You can file anytime Sunday through Saturday for the previous week, but I always do mine on Sunday morning to stay consistent.

Seriously, I learned so much from everyone's experiences. Really appreciate all the help!

That's what we're here for! Good luck with your applications everyone.

Standby status has different job search requirements, but you can still receive partial benefits if you're working reduced hours. You might want to check if your standby status is still valid after 8 weeks.

I'd definitely call ESD about that situation. 8 weeks seems like a long time for standby status.

Good point, I'll reach out to them. Might use that Claimyr thing if I can't get through the regular way.

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. Definitely applying now!

Exactly! It's like insurance for your job situation. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.