SharedWork employee/participant questions

I have tried to apply for unemployment benefits online, but am having trouble. Can someone help me?

Yes. Call our customer service for technical assistance, 800-752-2500, option 1. Or go to your employer representative at your place of business to complete and submit a SharedWork Employee Application.

  
I forgot my PIN number. Can you help me?
Of course! Call SharedWork 800-752-2500, option 1 to get immediate help.

How do I qualify for participation in the SharedWork Program?
If you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, you are eligible for SharedWork benefits. Generally, this means that you have worked at least 680 hours in the last 15 months.

How do I get help filing my initial application?
Your company's designated SharedWork representative has guides to help you with your application, weekly claims and with any questions you might have.

What if I already have an active unemployment claim?
If you are an employee on the company approved SharedWork plan, your current unemployment claim will automatically become a SharedWork claim. 

Can I qualify for SharedWork if I am on a VISA or work permit?
Yes. When you apply for unemployment benefits, you will be asked to provide documents to verify your status.

Will receiving unemployment or Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits threaten my ability to apply for a green card or citizenship under the new public charge rules?
No. Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits are not included in the public charge determination.

Can I qualify for SharedWork if I live or work in another state?
Yes, if the Washington business you work for reports to us your hour and wage information.

Can I qualify for SharedWork if I'm not paid hourly but by a salary?
Yes, if you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits. What's important is that you and your company's payroll department agee on what your hourly pay would be.

Can I qualify for SharedWork if I work limited hours due to a disability?
Yes, as long as you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

Can I qualify for SharedWork if I have not worked 680 hours in my base year?
Maybe. When you apply for unemployment benefits, you can request that we use your "alternate base year"(ABY). The ABY includes the most recently completed quarter. If the ABY gives you the required 680 hours, you would be eligible. If you worked fewer than 680 hours in your base year or your ABY, you do not qualify for SharedWork.

Where do I find the questions I will be asked when submitting my weekly claim online or by phone?
Based on how you submit your weekly claim you may have different questions to answer each week. For more information about submitting your weekly claim, refer to your SharedWork Employee Guide.

  
Can I get another part-time job while I’m working reduced hours with my SharedWork employer?
Yes, you can get a second or even a third job, if you want to. However, every week you submit an unemployment claim, you must report hours and gross earnings from all your employers. If your hours total 40 hours or more each week, you are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits for that week.

  
Can I also be self-employed while I’m working reduced hours with my SharedWork employer?
Yes, you may be self-employed.  You must provide information about your self-employment activity. Your unemployment insurance claim will be reviewed to determine if you are eligible for benefits. Each week when you submit your claim, you must report self-employment work hours and net earnings. If your hours total 40 hours or more each week, you are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits for that week.

Are there different options for payment?
Yes. You can receive benefits via direct deposit or debit card.  

What is the difference between SharedWork and regular unemployment benefit payments?
You must work between 50% and 90% of your usual weekly hours to receive SharedWork benefits. Eligible employees receive partial unemployment insurance benefits based on the percentage of hours that they work each week. For weeks you are not eligible for SharedWork benefit payments, you could be entitled to a regular unemployment benefit, based on the law requirements. In any week you work less than 50% or more than 90% of your usual weekly hours, your claim will be processed as regular unemployment claim. Although work search is required for regular unemployment insurance, employees on SharedWork are not required to perform a work search.

Can I participate in SharedWork and receive unemployment benefits if I also am receiving Paid Family or Medical Leave (PFML) benefits?
Yes, however, you cannot claim PFML and unemployment insurance benefits for the same week. To avoid an overpayment situation, you must disclose on your weekly PFML claim that you will receive unemployment benefits for the same week. You will be denied PFML benefits for that week. Depending on your circumstances, you might determine that it's better to remain on PFML than unemployment benefits. To help you decide, use the benefit calculator to estimate your unemployment benefits.

I’m on SharedWork and work several part-time jobs. What happens if I separate from one or more of my part-time jobs?
You are required to report your separation from any employer and the reason you separated from that employer. Your unemployment insurance claim will be reviewed to determine if you’re eligible for benefits.

  
I’m back to working full time for my SharedWork employer. Do I still need to submit a claim each week?
You can continue to file and report your full time hours and earnings, but you will not receive a benefit, but it will keep your claim open and active.

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