Wa worked part time, have to look for full time work? (receive, claim)

[Dahlia Lover]

Hello, When I got laid off in Dec after 25 years, I only worked 3 days a week for the past 3 years. UI says I have to look for full time work. Why is that? Also I just read a story about a lady in Wa that was on UI for month's and she took a part time job and then had to pay back everything she received for them around 10K. I don't want to be in this position if I take a part time job. Thank You, KayC

[Gabriel.S]

Did she report her earnings to UI? I worked Seasonal for 6 months last year and all they did was deduct my wages from my claim each week. In fact UI encouraged me to accept part time work.

BTW, there is almost NO fulltime work available now a days. Unless you have been grandfathered in prior to the recession and were lucky enough to retain your job, almost every job posting I've seen is either for part time or seasonal work.

I'm not saying it's impossible to find full time employment but it's pretty dam hard and you're competing against 100 other people for that one opening.

[Chyvan]

Some states require you to look for full time work, but just because they require it doesn't mean you are going to find it.

However, it is my recommendation that you do NOT look for part time work nor accept it while you have a valid UI claim. Crappy part time jobs will be available after your claim is exhausted.

In my state AZ, the exclusion is $30/wk for part time earnings. I'll spend that on gas alone at these prices getting to a part-time job. As in, I'll net less than I'd get on UI taking a part time job. Working part-time, helps your former employer that put you in this mess more than it helps you.