Great that you figured out you have enough hours! Just wanted to add one more thing since you mentioned your hours are already getting cut back - make sure to document when your hours were reduced and by how much. If ESD questions whether you're "unemployed" or "underemployed," having records of the hour cuts will help show that the reduction wasn't voluntary on your part. This can be important for seasonal workers whose hours taper off gradually rather than ending all at once.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this process multiple times with seasonal work. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're cutting it close on the 680 hour requirement, double-check that your employers reported ALL your hours correctly to ESD. I once had an employer who only reported my regular hours but not overtime, which almost cost me my benefits. You can request a wage and hour statement from ESD to see exactly what they have on file for you. It's better to catch any discrepancies now rather than after you apply and get denied. Also, since you're planning ahead (which is smart!), consider that you might be able to apply for partial unemployment benefits now if your hours have dropped significantly below full-time. Worth looking into if money is getting tight before your move to Spokane.

This is such an encouraging update! I'm so glad you finally got through to someone at ESD and that they're acknowledging the timeline discrepancy in your case file. That's going to be crucial evidence for your hearing. Since you have until June 2nd, you might want to also gather any emails or messages you exchanged with your manager during your employment period - anything that shows the work environment or expectations that were in place at the time. Sometimes these can help establish what the actual workplace standards were versus what your employer is claiming now. One more tip: practice explaining your timeline out loud before the hearing. You want to be able to clearly and calmly walk through the sequence of events without getting flustered. The fact that the ESD agent already noted the policy date discrepancy gives you a really strong foundation for your appeal. Rooting for you! Your case sounds like exactly the kind of employer retaliation that the appeals process is designed to catch.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago and won my appeal! My former employer tried to claim I violated a "dress code policy" that was literally created 3 days after they fired me. The key thing that helped me win was having screenshots from the company intranet showing the policy creation dates. A few things that really made a difference in my case: 1. I printed out the policy document properties showing the "date created" metadata 2. I had my termination letter that gave a completely different reason for firing (they said "restructuring" originally) 3. I brought evidence of my last performance review which was positive The appeals judge was actually pretty sharp about catching these inconsistencies. When my former employer's representative couldn't explain why the policy they cited didn't exist when I was employed there, the judge ruled in my favor pretty quickly. Your situation sounds even stronger since you have the ESD agent's notes acknowledging the timeline issue. That's huge! Just stay factual and calm during the hearing. Don't let them rattle you with questions - stick to your timeline and evidence. You've got this!

Based on everything shared here, it seems like your best options are: 1. After your contract ends, accept the bench pay temporarily while applying for partial unemployment benefits AND searching for jobs independently 2. Document everything - the contract end date, communications about assignments, your job search efforts 3. If you do decide to quit later, focus on the substantial pay reduction as your "good cause" reason 4. Keep the relationship professional with the agency - don't mention unemployment to them if possible This approach gives you some income while job searching and potentially preserves the relationship if you need to go back later.

One thing to keep in mind is timing - make sure you file your partial unemployment claim as soon as you transition to the bench pay, not weeks later. ESD has strict rules about when you can backdate claims, and you don't want to miss out on benefits you're entitled to. Also, when you're reporting your weekly earnings from the bench pay, be precise about the amounts and dates. Any discrepancies can trigger reviews that delay your payments. Good luck with your job search - the direct-hire market is pretty good right now for experienced contractors!

Have you considered looking into QuickBooks certification or other accounting software certifications? Many are available online and relatively affordable. With so many businesses switching to cloud-based accounting, having current certifications in popular software might help you stand out. Plus, if you're doing this while still receiving benefits, it shows continued professional development in your job search activities.

Sydney, I completely understand your anxiety - being 8 weeks away from benefits ending with a child to support is incredibly stressful. A few suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet: 1) Consider reaching out to local churches or community organizations even if you're not religious - many have emergency assistance funds for people in transition. 2) Look into Washington's Basic Food program (SNAP) now rather than waiting - the application process can take time and having that safety net in place early reduces stress. 3) For accounting specifically, have you checked with local CPA firms about seasonal tax prep work starting in January? Many hire temporary staff and it could bridge you until you find permanent work. 4) Document every single job application, interview, and networking contact meticulously - if Extended Benefits do become available, having detailed records beyond the minimum requirements will work in your favor. You're doing everything right, and 8 weeks is still time to find something. Stay strong!

You handled this perfectly, Molly! 92 miles each way is absolutely unreasonable by any standard. I went through something similar about 8 months ago - ESD referred me to a job that was 85 miles away and I was terrified to decline it. But I documented everything just like you did and referenced the same WAC code. They approved my refusal within about 10 days without even putting my claim on hold. The key things you did right: 1) You were polite with the employer, 2) You have specific documentation with exact distances and times, 3) You explained the hardship clearly, and 4) You cited the relevant regulation. That's exactly what ESD wants to see. One tip - when you file your weekly claim and they ask about refusing work, be very detailed in that text box. Don't just say "commute too far" - include the mileage, time, and reference to WAC 192-150-112. The more specific you are upfront, the less likely they'll need to investigate further.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - just got referred to a job that's 78 miles away and would take me about 2.5 hours with Seattle traffic! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I was panicking thinking I'd have to choose between accepting an impossible commute or losing my benefits. Reading about WAC 192-150-112 and seeing everyone's experiences gives me confidence that I can decline this referral without penalty. It's crazy that they even suggest jobs that far away - do they not consider basic geography when making these matches through WorkSource? Molly, please keep us updated on how your case goes! I'll probably be filing my refusal in the next day or two and will follow the same documentation approach you outlined.