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There seems to be some confusion about the regulations. While being a union member doesn't waive the 680-hour requirement, there IS something called the "alternate base year" calculation that might help. If you don't qualify using the standard base year (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters), ESD can use the alternate base year (the 4 most recently completed calendar quarters). This might capture more work hours for you and potentially qualify you. But again, you still need 680 hours total - that part doesn't change. Also, check with your union welfare office. Many unions have hardship funds or other assistance programs specifically for members between jobs who've exhausted benefits. The hall should have information about these resources.
Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after using Claimyr) and got confirmation that there's no union exception to the 680-hour rule. The agent checked my account and I only have about 450 hours in my base year. She suggested I look into the Commissioner Approved Training program if I want to take some classes while waiting to build more hours. Thanks everyone for your help - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.
Glad you got a definitive answer! The Commissioner Approved Training is a good suggestion if you're interested in upskilling while waiting for dispatch. It allows you to collect benefits while attending approved training programs without having to look for work. Might be worth considering if dispatch remains slow.
When I got laid off last year I had a similar situation with my side business. Make sure you're super clear about your availability during the application process! I almost got disqualified because they thought I wasn't available for full-time work because of my side gig. Had to appeal and everything. What a headache!
Has anyone had any luck with the online chat support thing on the ESD website? I tried it yesterday but gave up after being #147 in queue for like 2 hours.
Just an update - after trying all the usual routes with no success, I ended up: 1. Using Claimyr to get through to ESD 2. Finding out my claim was stuck in identity verification 3. Having them escalate it to a specialist They resolved it that day and my payments started processing the next business day. Sometimes you just need to get a real person on the phone who can actually see what's happening behind the scenes.
Thanks for sharing your success story - gives me hope! I'll try Claimyr tomorrow if I can't get through using the other suggestions. At this point, I'll try anything that might work.
StarStrider
CONGRATS!!! It's so ridiculous we have to jump through all these hoops just to get what we're entitled to. Glad you got it resolved!
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Aisha Hussain
That's great news! Thanks for updating us. Hope your payments come through quickly.
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