When can I file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

You can file for unemployment benefits when you experience a significant reduction in work hours, not just when you're completely laid off. In Washington, you need to have worked at least 680 hours in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters) to qualify. Since you've been working 8 months, you should have enough work history. File as soon as your hours are reduced to less than full-time.

I was in a similar situation last year and had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD to ask about my eligibility. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

File your claim as soon as your work situation changes. Washington ESD processes claims based on when you file, not when your situation started. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits if you qualify. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your most recent pay stub ready.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I tried to file last month and got so overwhelmed by all the questions about wages and work history. why cant they just make it simple?

You should file as soon as possible! There's no waiting period before you can file your initial claim with Washington ESD. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. You can file online at esd.wa.gov or by phone.

You can file for partial unemployment if your hours were significantly reduced. Washington ESD allows claims when you're working less than full-time and earning less than your weekly benefit amount. You don't have to wait until you're completely laid off.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you file now, there might be a waiting week before you start receiving benefits. And you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue getting payments. Don't forget about the job search requirements either.

i filed when my hours got cut from 40 to 15 per week and got approved for partial benefits. the key is that the reduction has to be involuntary - you cant just ask for fewer hours and then claim UI

There is a one week waiting period but that's AFTER you file, not before. You won't get paid for your first week but you still need to file your weekly claim for that week.

I work in HR and see this situation a lot. Employers are required to provide written notice of hour reductions, so make sure you get that from your manager. It'll help if there are any questions about your claim later. Also, reduced hours due to lack of work (not disciplinary reasons) should qualify you for partial benefits.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I tried to file by phone last month. The wait times were insane, like 2+ hours if you even got through at all. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Saved me so much time and frustration. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Just a heads up - the Washington ESD website can be pretty slow during peak times. I'd recommend filing your claim early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are online. Also make sure you have a reliable internet connection because getting kicked out halfway through is frustrating.

The timing depends on when you last worked. You need to have worked in at least 2 of the last 5 quarters and earned a minimum amount. If you've been working 8 months consistently, you should meet the base period requirements. File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible - there's no waiting period in Washington.

Don't delay filing! I made that mistake and lost out on benefits because I waited 3 weeks thinking I needed to look for work first. You can file immediately after your last day of work.

The Washington ESD website says you should file during your first week of unemployment. Don't wait for your final paycheck or anything like that - file as soon as you know you're unemployed.

I struggled for weeks trying to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my partial claim. The phone lines are constantly busy and their callback system rarely works. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR EMPLOYER INFO READY. I mean exact dates, wages, reason for reduction, etc. The Washington ESD application is pretty detailed and if you mess up the initial filing it can delay everything.

ugh the washington unemployment system is such a pain. took me forever to get through when i filed. good luck with that

wait so if im working like 20 hours instead of 40 i can still get some unemployment money? i thought it was all or nothing

Also make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates of employment, employer contact info, reason for separation, etc. It'll make the filing process much smoother.

Just want to add - if you're filing online, make sure to create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't have one. That's what you'll use to log into the Washington ESD site.

Don't wait! I made the mistake of waiting a month before filing when my hours were cut and I lost out on benefits for those weeks. You can't get retroactive benefits for weeks you didn't file, so even if you're unsure about qualifying, it's better to file and let them make the determination.

The adjudication process can take forever though, especially if there's any question about why your hours were reduced. Mine took 3 weeks to get approved and that was pretty fast compared to some people.

honestly the washington esd system is such a mess. took me 2 months to get my first payment and that was before covid when things were supposedly normal. good luck getting anyone on the phone to help you

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you're actually eligible before filing. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period.

I had to call Washington ESD about 15 times before I got through to someone who could help me understand my situation. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected within an hour. They really do help you navigate the phone system to reach actual agents instead of getting stuck in automated loops.

If you do end up needing to call Washington ESD later for any reason, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned. Seriously saved my sanity when I was dealing with an adjudication issue.

File TONIGHT if possible. The sooner the better. I filed on a Tuesday and my benefit week started that Sunday, so I got credit for those few days.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' for work versus being on standby. Since you're still working reduced hours, you're not on standby - you're partially unemployed but still able and available for additional work. This affects how you answer the weekly claim questions.

been there!! my hours got cut from 40 to 15 last spring and unemployment really helped bridge the gap while I looked for a second job. just be honest about your situation and keep good records of everything

Don't let the horror stories scare you too much. Many claims go through without major issues, especially straightforward partial unemployment cases. Just make sure you file accurately and respond promptly to any requests for information.

Remember you'll need to do job search activities even while receiving partial benefits. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work and log your search activities.

Remember you'll also need to register with WorkSourceWA for the job search requirements. You can do that after you file your initial claim though.

The manufacturing layoffs have been brutal lately. Sorry to hear about your job. At least unemployment will help bridge the gap while you look for something new.

The key thing is to file your initial claim online at secure.esd.wa.gov. You'll create an account if you don't have one already. The system will ask you about your work history, wages, and reason for reduced hours. Be as accurate as possible with dates and dollar amounts.

Also keep working whatever hours they give you! Don't turn down available work thinking it will help your unemployment claim - that can actually disqualify you.

Don't forget to keep records of everything - when you filed, confirmation numbers, etc. You'll need that info for your weekly claims.

one more thing - file your weekly claims every week even if you havent been approved yet. if you miss weeks you cant go back and claim them later

One thing that confused me was the base period calculation. They look at your wages from specific quarters, not just recent months. Since you've been working 8 months, make sure you have wage information going back to when you started your job.

honestly the whole system is designed to make it hard to get benefits. they hope you'll just give up and not file

Don't forget that you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to get benefits, even for weeks you work reduced hours. You'll report your earnings for that week and they'll adjust your benefit amount accordingly. Miss a week and you don't get paid for that week.

Quick tip - file early in the morning or late at night to avoid peak traffic on the Washington ESD website. It can get slow during business hours.

I was skeptical about using Claimyr at first because I thought it might be some kind of scam, but honestly it saved me so much time and frustration. Getting through to Washington ESD agents is nearly impossible during busy periods, and this service actually works. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

Make sure your browser is up to date before filing online. I had issues with an older version of Chrome not working properly with the Washington ESD site.

The most important thing is just don't wait. Every day you delay is money you can't get back later.

Glad you're getting this sorted. If you run into any problems later and need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, remember that Claimyr option. Made my life so much easier when I was dealing with claim issues.

Good luck with your claim! The process is pretty smooth once you get started. Just make sure to file your weekly claims every week going forward.

Just wanted to add that if your claim gets held up in adjudication (which sometimes happens with partial unemployment cases), don't panic. It just means they're reviewing your case to make sure everything is accurate. Keep filing your weekly claims during adjudication so you don't miss out on benefits once it's resolved.

the whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up. half the time their website doesnt even work properly and when you finally get someone on the phone they give you different answers than the last person

Just to clarify the base period requirements: you need to have earned at least $7,000 in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters) with at least $1,000 in two different quarters. Working 8 months should easily meet this threshold.

make sure you report your wages accurately on your weekly claims too. if you earn more than your weekly benefit amount in any week you wont get a payment for that week

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your return next year.

IF YOU GET DENIED FOR ANY REASON, APPEAL IMMEDIATELY. You only have 30 days to file an appeal and the deadline is strict. Don't assume a denial is final without fighting it.

honestly just file as soon as possible and dont overthink it. the worst they can do is say no and then you appeal if needed

Good luck with your claim! And seriously, if you run into any issues reaching Washington ESD for questions, check out that Claimyr service I mentioned. Having an actual person help navigate the phone system was a game-changer for me.

Best of luck with your claim! Remember to keep detailed records of everything - your reduced work schedule, job search activities, any communications with Washington ESD. Documentation is your friend in this process.