What qualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

The basic requirements are that you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively seeking work. Since you left due to reduced hours, you might qualify if you can prove the hour reduction was substantial enough to be considered constructive dismissal.

You also need to have worked enough hours in your base period to establish a valid claim. Washington ESD looks at the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check my eligibility. The phone lines are always busy and it's impossible to get a real person. I found this service called Claimyr that actually helped me reach an agent - they have a system that calls for you. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

dont forget about the job search requirements!! you have to apply for jobs every week and keep a log of where you applied. washington esd is really strict about this now

You also can't turn down suitable work once you're receiving benefits. Washington ESD defines suitable work pretty broadly after you've been unemployed for a while.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! There's a waiting week before benefits start, and if you have any issues with your claim it can take forever to resolve through adjudication.

The Washington ESD website has a pretty good eligibility quiz you can take before applying. It walks through all the requirements and gives you an idea if you qualify.

One thing to remember is that you have to be physically able to work. If you have any medical conditions that prevent you from working, you might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

I went through this same situation last year. The key is documenting everything - keep records of your reduced hours, any communications with your employer, and start your job search documentation right away even before you file.

Just be honest on your application about why you left your job. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway, so don't try to hide anything.

Another thing - you have to be available for work during normal business hours. If you're only available evenings or weekends, that could disqualify you.

The Washington ESD adjudication process can be really slow if there are any questions about your eligibility. I waited 6 weeks to hear back about my claim. If you need to talk to someone about your case, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work - I used it when I was stuck in adjudication and finally got through to an agent who could explain what was happening.

You should also know that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later, but don't forget about this come tax time.

Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week once you're approved. If you miss a week, you might lose those benefits permanently.

Based on what you've described, it sounds like you have a good case for unemployment benefits. The substantial hour reduction should qualify as good cause for leaving, and two years of full-time work definitely meets the earnings requirement.

The application process itself is pretty straightforward online. Just have your employment history, Social Security number, and bank account info ready for direct deposit.

Don't wait too long to apply. There's a limit on how far back benefits can go, so the sooner you file, the better.

Just remember that if Washington ESD denies your claim for any reason, you have the right to appeal. Don't give up if the initial decision isn't in your favor.

One more tip - if you do any part-time or gig work while collecting unemployment, make sure you report it on your weekly claim. Washington ESD can reduce your benefits but you won't lose them entirely if you're honest about the income.