Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Sounds like I need to register for unemployment taxes since I'll be a regular business with employees. Going to get that process started this week and make sure I'm compliant from day one.

Just wanted to add something I learned recently - even if you think you might qualify for an exemption, Washington ESD requires you to apply for that exemption formally. You can't just assume you're exempt and not register. I made this mistake with a nonprofit I helped start, thinking we were automatically exempt, but we still had to file paperwork to get the exemption approved. The application process takes time too, so it's better to start early if you think you might qualify.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses. I think I'm going to contact a disability advocate first, then maybe use that Claimyr service to talk to Washington ESD if needed. This is definitely not something to rush into without expert guidance.

I've been through a similar situation and wanted to share some additional perspective. While everyone's covered the technical aspects well, I'd also suggest looking into whether your state has any disability employment programs that could help you increase your work hours instead of pursuing unemployment. Washington has the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) that works with SSI recipients to expand employment opportunities. Sometimes they can even provide job coaching or help negotiate with employers for more stable hours. This might be a less risky path than navigating the unemployment/SSI intersection, especially given how little extra income you'd actually receive after the benefit reductions.

This whole thread is such a great resource! I'm actually bookmarking it because I know several friends who are job searching right now and this exact scenario could easily happen to them. It's amazing how GamerGirl99's situation went from seeming hopeless to having a real solution just by asking the right questions. I think a lot of people (myself included) would have just assumed they were stuck and tried to tough it out rather than approaching HR about options. It really shows the value of being proactive and advocating for yourself during these transitions. Thanks to everyone who contributed advice here - this is exactly the kind of practical, real-world guidance that makes this community so valuable!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm new to this community and currently on unemployment myself, so reading about situations like this really prepares me for what I might face during my own job search. It's eye-opening to learn that eligibility is based on hours worked rather than when you actually get paid - that's definitely not intuitive. What really stands out to me is how this discussion evolved from identifying the problem to finding practical solutions. The suggestion about asking employers for payroll advances seems like such valuable advice that I never would have thought of on my own. It's encouraging to see that many employers actually have policies in place to help with these exact transition challenges. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences here - this is exactly the kind of real-world guidance that makes navigating these systems so much easier!

Actually had success with Claimyr too when I needed to get through to Washington ESD about my own forced resignation case. The regular phone lines were impossible, but through their service I got connected immediately and was able to explain my situation directly to an agent. Really made the difference in getting my claim processed quickly.

I went through something very similar about a year ago - my manager created an impossible situation where I was set up to fail, then gave me the "resign or be terminated" ultimatum. I was terrified about filing for unemployment because I had technically resigned, but it turned out Washington ESD was really understanding about constructive discharge situations. The key is being completely honest about the circumstances and having documentation ready. In my case, I had saved emails showing the unreasonable demands and the ultimatum itself. The adjudication took about 5 weeks, but I was approved and received backpay for the entire period. Don't let your employer's manipulative tactics prevent you from claiming benefits you're entitled to - what they did to you is exactly why these protections exist.

Update us on how it goes! I'm sure other people will end up in similar situations and your experience might help them.

I went through this exact situation with Adecco last year. You're absolutely right to file for unemployment - the temp agency is your employer, and "no available assignments" is a legitimate layoff reason. One thing I'd add is to keep checking in with Staffmark periodically while you're collecting benefits. They might get new assignments, and Washington ESD expects you to maintain contact with your former employer. Also, when you file your weekly claims, make sure to report any days you might work if Staffmark does call you back with short-term assignments. You can still collect partial benefits on weeks when you work reduced hours.