


Ask the community...
Bottom line - be honest in your application, keep good records, and don't be afraid to seek help if you need it. The system is complicated but there are people who can guide you through it.
One more thing - if you end up needing to call Washington ESD and can't get through the regular way, I had success with Claimyr too. Worth having in your back pocket if you hit roadblocks. The video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ shows exactly how it works.
Based on what you described in your original post, it sounds like you should qualify. Reduction of hours to the point where you can't sustain yourself is typically considered good cause for leaving. Just make sure you have documentation showing your hour reduction when you apply.
One last tip - file your claim as soon as possible. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, so don't wait thinking you might find a job quickly. You can always stop filing weekly claims if you find work.
Last thing I'll add - make sure you read through the job search requirements after you file. Washington ESD requires you to actively look for work and document your job search activities. Don't wait until later to figure this out because you need to start tracking your job search efforts from week one.
When I had questions about the job search requirements and couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone, I ended up using Claimyr again to get connected to someone who could explain the specifics for my situation. Sometimes the general website info isn't enough and you need personalized guidance.
For those still having trouble reaching agencies for clarification, I used Claimyr successfully to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about how state payments affect my federal credit. Worth checking out if you're stuck.
Bottom line: track federal and Washington ESD separately, pay quarterly if over $500 federal liability, and don't assume the agencies coordinate with each other. Keep good records of everything.
Lilly Curtis
File as soon as possible! Benefits don't backdate to when your hours were cut - they only start from when you actually file your initial claim. Every week you wait is money you're potentially losing.
0 coins
Fiona Sand
•I didn't know that! I was thinking about waiting until after the holidays to file.
0 coins
Lilly Curtis
•Definitely don't wait. You can always stop claiming later if your hours get restored, but you can't go backwards and claim for weeks before you filed.
0 coins
Leo Simmons
Used Claimyr last month when I had questions about reporting tips along with my reduced restaurant hours. Super helpful and way easier than trying to navigate the phone system myself. The whole process of getting connected to an actual person was seamless.
0 coins
Fiona Sand
•Good to know it works for different types of jobs. I don't get tips but it sounds like they can help with various situations.
0 coins
Leo Simmons
•Yeah, the ESD agents they connect you to can answer pretty much any unemployment question. Much better than trying to figure it out from the website alone.
0 coins