When can an employee file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

You can actually file for partial unemployment benefits in Washington while still working reduced hours! As long as you're working less than full-time and earning less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you may qualify. The key is that your hours were reduced through no fault of your own.

File as soon as possible after your hours were reduced! There's no waiting period in Washington for filing your initial claim. Benefits are paid from the week you file, not backdated, so don't delay.

I was in a similar situation last year and struggled to get through to Washington ESD to ask questions about partial claims. Kept getting busy signals or disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call repeatedly on my own.

For anyone else reading this, here are the basic eligibility requirements: 1) You must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, 2) Your job loss/hour reduction must be through no fault of your own, 3) You must be able and available for work, 4) You must actively search for work (though requirements are reduced for partial claims). The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file.

ugh this is so confusing! I got laid off completely two weeks ago and still haven't filed because I kept reading different things online about waiting periods and requirements. Should I just file now even though it's been 2 weeks??

Just want to add that if you quit your job, you generally can't get unemployment unless it was for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job, or harassment. If you were fired for misconduct, you're also disqualified. But layoffs, hour reductions, or being fired for reasons other than misconduct usually qualify you.

Update: I filed my claim this morning and it was easier than expected! The online application walked me through everything step by step. Now I just have to wait for them to process it and do my weekly claims.

Pro tip: File your weekly claims online every Sunday for the previous week. You can file for the current week starting Sunday at 6 AM. Don't wait until the last minute because the system gets busy and sometimes crashes on the deadline day.

Does anyone know if you can file while on medical leave? I had to take FMLA and now my employer says there might not be a position when I'm ready to return.

Another situation where Claimyr really helped was when I needed to clarify my eligibility after a job ended. Instead of trying to decipher the Washington ESD website or wait weeks for a callback, I was able to speak with an agent the same day and get my questions answered. Definitely worth checking out if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Quick question - if I was working two part-time jobs and lost one of them, can I file for partial unemployment while still working the other job?

I made the mistake of not filing right away when I got laid off because I thought I'd find another job quickly. Three months later I'm still looking and realize I missed out on thousands in benefits. Don't make my mistake - file as soon as you're eligible!

For seasonal workers, you can typically file during your off-season as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements. Construction, landscaping, and tourism workers often do this.

Another vote for filing immediately! I waited two weeks thinking I needed to get all my paperwork together first, but you can actually file with basic information and provide additional documentation later if requested.

One thing to watch out for - if you receive severance pay, it might affect when your benefits can start. Washington ESD treats severance as wages for the period it covers.

The Washington ESD website has a great tool called the 'Benefits Calculator' that can give you an estimate of your weekly benefit amount before you file. Helps you plan your budget.

I tried using Claimyr after seeing it mentioned here and honestly it was a game changer. Got through to Washington ESD in about 30 minutes instead of the usual hours of busy signals. The agent was able to explain my specific situation and what I needed to do next.

Just to clarify for anyone confused - you file your INITIAL claim once when you first become unemployed or have reduced hours. Then you file WEEKLY claims every week to actually receive payments. Two separate processes.

Last thing I'll add - keep good records of your job search activities from day one. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time, and you need to show you're actively looking for work.

This thread has been super helpful! Filing my claim this afternoon. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice.