Unemployment benefits for part-time workers and people with reduced hours

  • Benefit programs

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If your hours have been cut or you are working part time, you may qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. These benefits can help cover your lost income, even if you are not fully unemployed. It's important to know unemployment insurance benefits are only paid for a limited time and amount, so be sure to plan ahead. 

How partial benefits work 

Partial benefits help make up the difference between your old pay and your current pay. The amount you get depends on how much you used to earn and how much you earn now. You must report your earnings each week. Your benefits will be reduced based on what you earn. 

Examples 

Fewer hours at a retail job: 

  • Taylor used to work full time and earned $600 a week. Now Taylor works 20 hours and earns $300. Taylor can get up to $400 a week in benefits. 
  • Because Taylor earned $300, that amount is subtracted from $400. 
  • Taylor gets $100 in unemployment benefits. Their total weekly income is $400. 

Temporary layoff with some shifts: 

  • Casey is a server who was laid off. Sometimes Casey works one or two shifts per week. Each shift pays $100. Casey’s benefit amount is $500. 
  • If Casey works two shifts and earns $200, that amount is subtracted from $500. 
  • Casey gets $300 in benefits. Total weekly income is $500. 

Who can get benefits 

You may qualify if: 

  • You are legally allowed to work in the U.S. 
  • You earn less than your weekly benefit amount. 
  • You are able and ready to work. 
  • You earned enough wages during your base year.  
  • Your base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.

Visit Basic eligibility requirements to learn more about eligibility.  

If you are on standby 

If your Washington state employer cuts your hours for a short time, you may be placed on standby. This means you don’t have to look for other work. Standby is usually allowed for up to four weeks but can be longer with your employer’s request. 

SharedWork program 

If your hours are cut but you are still working, your employer may join the SharedWork program. This lets you get unemployment benefits while working fewer hours. 

Your benefits are based on how much your hours have been reduced. Your employer must apply and be approved. 

How to apply 

Get your information ready: 

  • Your Social Security number.  
  • Names and addresses of your employers for the last 18 months.  
  • Dates of employment and reasons for reduced hours.  
  • Your earnings and income from all sources. 

Apply online: Use eServices to file your unemployment insurance claim. 

File weekly claims 

  • Report all hours worked and income earned. 
  • Report any job search activity, if required. 

Weekly reporting 

You must report your income each week. This includes part-time jobs or short shifts. Always give correct information. If you get more money than you should, you may have to pay it back. 

Training Benefits program 

If your hours were reduced because your skills are out of date, you may qualify for the Training Benefits program. This helps you learn new skills while still getting benefits. Job search is not required during approved training. 

You may get extra weeks of benefits to finish your program. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can I get benefits if I work part time? 
Yes. If you earn less than your benefit amount, you may get partial benefits. 

What if my employer reduces my hours? 
You may qualify for standby and not have to search for a new job.  

How much will I get? 
It depends on your past earnings. Use the benefit calculator online to get an estimate.  

Do I need to look for work? 
Maybe. If you are on standby or in SharedWork, you do not have to look for work. 

Get more help 

Phone: Call 800-318-6022 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday (except holidays). 

Online resources 

Relevant Washington state laws 

Explore legal definitions (RCW 50.04) and rules related to benefits and claims (RCW 50.20).