Make sure you track EVERYTHING if you take this job. I got hit with an overpayment because I estimated my hours one week when I couldn't find my timesheet. Keep a separate calendar just for your work hours and take screenshots of any communication about your schedule. ESD will eventually audit you and you'll need proof.

One additional consideration: if you decline this job offer, ESD might consider it refusing suitable work, which could jeopardize your current benefits entirely. When determining if work is "suitable," they look at factors like: - How the wages compare to the prevailing wage in your area for that type of work - Your physical fitness for the job - Risk to your health and safety - Your prior training and experience - The distance from your home They generally don't consider whether the pay is lower than your previous job if the offered wage is standard for that position in your area. So while this job pays less than your previous position, refusing it could potentially disqualify you from receiving any benefits at all. This makes the partial benefits route potentially more attractive than turning down the position.

Make sure you're meeting the job search requirements once you start claiming!!! They're super strict about this now - you need to document 3 job search activities EVERY WEEK and be ready to submit them if they audit you. I got caught on this and had to pay back two weeks of benefits because I didn't realize the requirements had changed. Don't make my mistake!!!

I process UI claims for a major employer (not ESD) and can confirm W2 contract workers definitely qualify when laid off before the end date. The system is actually designed with situations like yours in mind. One important thing - be extra careful how you answer the separation reason question. Select "laid off due to lack of work" NOT "end of contract/assignment." The second option can trigger unnecessary investigation that delays your claim. And don't select "quit" even though it might seem like the contract is ending - this was a termination initiated by the employer. Also, if they put you on any kind of standby or suggest they might rehire you soon, be very careful. If you indicate potential recall on your application, it changes your job search requirements and can complicate things. Based on what you described, a clean layoff is what happened.

Make sure your friend completes her weekly claims even while waiting for the initial determination! My brother almost lost out on back benefits because he didn't realize you need to keep filing every week even before they decide if you qualify. Also tell her to be ready to provide documentation about both the pension amount and which company it comes from.

One more important thing for your friend to be aware of: once she starts receiving unemployment benefits, she'll need to complete three job search activities each week and document them. Even though she's at retirement age, if she's collecting unemployment, ESD will expect her to be actively seeking work that's similar to her previous position. Make sure she knows to keep detailed records of all job search activities.

Did you check your eServices message center? Sometimes they send instructions there about what you need to do for the old claim. Might save you a phone call.

Just to give you some hope - I finally got my claim processed after dealing with a similar issue. From disqualification letter to benefits being paid took about 10 days once I was able to speak with someone. Hang in there!

Did you get the determination letter explaining why they denied your claim initially? It should cite specific reasons and regulations. Understanding exactly why they denied you can help you prepare targeted counterarguments. Also, make sure you have a copy of your employer's response to your claim - you can request this from ESD if you don't already have it.

Update us after your hearing! Based on what you've shared, I think you have a good chance of winning. One write-up from 3 months prior about an issue that was arguably not even your fault doesn't meet the standard for misconduct under Washington unemployment law. Just make sure you're well-prepared and stay calm during questioning.