I went through SEAP in 2023 and it was a game-changer for my freelance writing business! Just want to add a few things that might help you: The application deadline is usually pretty tight - they announce it and then give you like 2-3 weeks to submit everything. Make sure your business plan is realistic and shows actual market research. They rejected my first application because my income projections were too optimistic without backing data. Also, once you're in the program, you CANNOT do any traditional job searching or accept employment offers, even part-time gigs. You're committed to working on your business full-time. This tripped up a friend of mine who thought he could do both. The training workshops are actually really valuable - I learned about QuickBooks, business taxes, and marketing strategies I'm still using today. Plus you get to network with other entrepreneurs in the program which has led to some great referrals for my business. One tip: start documenting your business activities from day one. They want detailed reports every quarter showing what you've done to develop your business, and having good records makes it much easier.

I'm currently considering applying for SEAP after reading through everyone's experiences here. One thing I'm curious about - for those who completed the program, how did you handle the transition from collecting unemployment benefits to actually generating income from your business? I'm worried about that gap period where my benefits run out but my business isn't quite profitable yet. Did anyone find themselves in that situation, and if so, how did you manage it? I'm thinking about starting an online tutoring business, so I know it might take some time to build up a steady client base. Also, has anyone dealt with the tax implications? Like, do you need to pay taxes on the unemployment benefits you received while in SEAP differently than regular UI benefits?

I went through this exact situation last year! ESD absolutely will backpay you for those 7 weeks once your claim is approved, even after you start working. The key things that helped me: - Keep filing weekly claims until you start the new job (sounds like you're already doing this) - Screenshot everything showing your claim is under review - Report your new job within 48 hours of starting through eServices - Be super precise about your actual start date I was in adjudication for 8 weeks, started a job, and got my full backpay 2 weeks later. The adjudication decision is based on your eligibility during those unemployed weeks, not your current status. Congrats on the job offer - you should be fine as long as you report everything accurately!

Just wanted to add my experience to reassure you! I was in adjudication for 6 weeks, got a job offer, and was terrified about the same thing. I called ESD (took forever to get through) and the agent confirmed that as long as you were unemployed and eligible during those weeks, you'll get paid for them regardless of when the determination comes through. The important thing is the DATE you actually start working - that's when you stop being eligible for new weekly claims, but it doesn't affect your eligibility for past weeks. I got my backpay about 10 days after my claim was finally approved, even though I'd been working for 3 weeks by then. Document everything, keep filing those weekly claims until your start date, and definitely report your new employment right away. You should be good to go! The system is slow but it does work correctly for situations like this.

The approval letter is pretty much your official confirmation that you're eligible for benefits. Keep it in a safe place because you might need to reference it later, especially if you have any issues with your claim.

I went through this same anxiety about missing my approval letter! In my experience, Washington ESD sends the monetary determination letter in a pretty standard white envelope with their return address clearly visible. The key thing that helped me was setting up a daily mail check routine once my status changed to "processed" online. Mine arrived about 5 days after the status change. Also, definitely check your secure messages in your ESD account - they sometimes post documents there as backup. The letter itself is pretty comprehensive and includes your weekly benefit amount, total potential benefits, and when you can start filing weekly claims. Don't stress too much - if it's been mailed, it should arrive soon!

You've gotten some great advice here! I'll just add that when you apply, make sure to clearly explain your severance arrangement in the section where they ask about other income. Be precise about the amounts and payment schedule. To directly answer your questions: 1. Yes, apply now - don't wait until February 2. You may receive partial benefits during severance periods depending on the amount 3. You'll likely receive full benefits during weeks you don't receive a severance payment 4. Start your job search activities immediately and document everything One thing no one has mentioned: when you first apply, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. So even if you're approved, you won't get paid for the first eligible week. That's another reason not to delay - you're just losing potential benefit weeks by waiting.

I went through something similar last year when I was laid off from my nonprofit job. The most important thing is to apply IMMEDIATELY - you're already past the recommended 2-week window and waiting until February could seriously hurt your eligibility. Here's what I learned from my experience: Washington state treats true severance payments (which yours sounds like based on your description) as compensation for past work, not current income. This means you can often collect partial UI benefits even while receiving severance. When you file your weekly claims, you'll report the severance income and ESD will calculate any deductions. In my case, I received reduced benefits during weeks I got severance, but something is better than nothing! And during any weeks you don't receive a severance payment, you should get your full benefit amount. Don't try to game the system by only claiming on alternating weeks - just be honest about all income when you file. The key is getting your initial application in now so your benefit year starts. You can always stop claiming later if needed, but you can't go back and claim weeks you missed if you wait too long. Also, start your job search activities right away (3 per week minimum) and keep detailed records even if you're not sure about benefit eligibility yet. Better to be prepared!

I served on jury duty while collecting UI benefits last fall and can confirm everything others have said is correct. The most important thing is to answer "YES" to being available for work - this tripped me up initially because I overthought it. One additional tip: if your jury service ends up being shorter than expected (like if you get dismissed early or the case settles), make sure to still report the full days you were summoned for jury duty. The stipend payment usually covers the entire period you were called to serve, not just the days you actually sat in the jury box. Also, keep your jury summons and any documentation the court gives you about your service dates. ESD rarely asks for this but it's good to have just in case. The whole process was much smoother than I expected once I understood the rules properly.

I actually had a similar situation a few months ago! One thing I'll add that others haven't mentioned - if your jury duty gets extended beyond the original summons dates (sometimes trials run longer than expected), make sure to update your weekly claims accordingly. I had jury duty that was supposed to be 3 days but ended up being 6 days, and I had to report the additional stipend payments in the following week's claim. Also, don't stress too much about the job search activities during jury duty week. You can do simple things like updating your resume, browsing job boards on your phone during breaks, or even networking with other jurors (you'd be surprised how many business connections happen during jury duty!). The key is just documenting that you made the effort to remain engaged in your job search despite the civic obligation. Hope your jury service goes smoothly and you don't have any issues with your benefits!