Here's what I recommend you do: 1. Apply for UI benefits right away online at esd.wa.gov 2. In your application, clearly explain that you were on medical leave, that your benefits expired, and that your employer is requiring you to take a leave of absence or resign because they cannot accommodate your temporary restrictions 3. Gather documentation: doctor's note with return date, communications from your school about the leave of absence requirement, any written policies about returning to work 4. If you get denied initially (which is common in complex cases), immediately file an appeal - you'll have 30 days to do so 5. While waiting for UI, also apply for PFML if you haven't already to see if you qualify for that program 6. Consider requesting a determination interview with ESD where you can explain your situation in detail The key issue is demonstrating that your unemployment is not your fault and that despite having "reasonable assurance" for next school year, you're being forced into this gap in employment.

did u check if ur eligible for disabillity benefits? might be easier than dealing with ESD and all their rules about school employees...

to answer ur question about what happened with mine - they finally sent me a letter after 3 weeks asking about some part time work i did during my base year. once i filled out their form it only took like 4 days to approve everything. so annoying they couldnt just ask me that from the beginning!

Good news is that once adjudication is complete, if approved, they'll pay for all the weeks you've been claiming in one lump sum. So even though it's stressful waiting, you won't lose any eligible benefits. Make sure your husband's job search log is being maintained properly (3 job search activities each week) while waiting. The last thing you want is to get through adjudication only to be denied for inadequate job search activities.

One additional thing to consider: if you do decide to turn down the temporary position, make sure you continue performing and documenting your three job search activities each week. Sometimes people focus so much on the 'refusing work' issue that they neglect the ongoing job search requirements and get disqualified for that reason instead.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST TEACHERS!!! My wife went through this exact thing in 2022 and ESD denied her no matter what evidence we provided. They expect highly educated professionals to just take ANY job offer even when it means starting over each year. Meanwhile the district that laid her off posted her EXACT position again 6 months later but wouldn't rehire her! KEEP FIGHTING!

my cousing got a job 4 months into his claim but then they fired him after 2 weeks and he cudnt get his old benefits back had to start all over again and got less money

Update: I talked to my potential employer and found out I'll be a W-2 contract employee through their staffing agency, not a 1099 contractor. That sounds like good news based on what everyone has said! One last question - does anyone know if I need to do anything special with my job search activities in the final week before I start the new job? Do I still need to complete and document 3 job search activities that week?

That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier worked for me when I was in your exact situation. Paid like $20 but it was worth it to actually talk to someone and get my case moved. My adjudicator called me the next day after I got through to ESD.

I'm going to summarize the most effective options based on my experience working with ESD claims: 1. The hardship form in eServices that someone mentioned is your best bet for expediting - be VERY specific about dates and consequences (eviction notice details, utility shutoff dates, etc) 2. Contact your state representative - this is extremely effective for expediting claims 3. If you need to actually speak with ESD (which you do in this case), calling right when they open at 8:00 AM gives you the best chance, but services like Claimyr can help if you're desperate 4. Document the HIPAA violation concerns in your eServices messages - this could be relevant to your adjudication 5. Apply for emergency assistance through your local DSHS office for immediate help with rent/utilities while waiting Hang in there - this sounds like a legitimate claim that will eventually be approved, but getting there faster requires being persistent and using multiple channels.