Final reminder - even though your benefits are ending, stay engaged with WorkSource and keep your resume updated. The job market changes and new opportunities come up all the time.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits end in about a month and I've been worried sick about it. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening. I had no idea there were so many different programs and resources available. I'm definitely going to reach out to WorkSource this week and see what training programs might be available. It's reassuring to know that even when regular UI ends, there are still pathways forward if you know where to look and aren't too proud to ask for help.

Update us on how your claim goes! I'm in a similar situation and would love to hear how the process works out for you.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. Got fired from my retail job for missing work due to a severe migraine condition that flared up multiple times. Even though I had medical documentation and followed all their procedures, they still terminated me for exceeding attendance limits. I was terrified to file for unemployment because of the termination reason, but I'm so glad I did. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 4 weeks of investigation. The key was that I had consistent medical records and proof that I always called in properly. Don't let the "fired for cause" label scare you - file your claim and let the experts determine if it meets the legal definition of misconduct. In your case with doctor's notes and proper notification, you have a really strong case. The worst thing you can do is not file at all.

Hey Ryan! I'm going through the exact same situation right now - filed for unemployment with standby status about a week ago after my restaurant job ended due to slow season. My manager said they'll likely call me back in 6-8 weeks when things pick up again. From what I've learned lurking in this community and talking to others, the timeline seems really inconsistent. Some people get approved in 8-10 days, others wait 3+ weeks. The key things I've gathered are: 1) keep filing your weekly claims no matter what, 2) continue doing the 3 job search activities until standby is officially approved, and 3) your employer needs to respond quickly to ESD's verification requests. I've been checking my eServices account obsessively every day hoping to see an update! The waiting and not knowing is definitely stressful when bills are due. Hang in there - sounds like most people do eventually get approved if their employer cooperates with the verification process.

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when my retail job ended due to store restructuring. My standby approval took exactly 12 days from the date I submitted my application. The key thing that helped speed up my process was staying in contact with my former manager to make sure they responded to ESD's verification request immediately when it came through. One tip I wish someone had told me: ESD sends the employer verification request via mail AND email, but some employers miss the email. I had my manager check their spam folder and that's where they found it! Once they responded within 24 hours, my standby status was approved just 2 days later. Also, definitely keep doing those weekly job searches until you see "STANDBY APPROVED" actually show up in your account. The system won't backtrack and excuse you from search requirements for weeks where you didn't complete them, even if your standby gets approved later. Learned that the hard way from a friend who had to deal with an overpayment issue. Hang in there - the waiting is the worst part but most furniture/warehouse jobs do follow through with recalls if they say they will!

Bottom line: take the contract work! Report everything accurately, keep filing your weekly claims, and don't overthink it. The partial unemployment system exists exactly for situations like this.

I went through this exact situation last year! Took a 10-week contract while on unemployment and it worked out great. Just remember that Washington ESD calculates your partial benefits automatically once you report your earnings - you don't need to do the math yourself. The hardest part is just remembering to file every single week even when you're busy with contract work. Also, keep a simple spreadsheet of your weekly hours and earnings - makes the reporting so much easier. The contract income actually helped me stretch my unemployment benefits longer since I wasn't using them up as quickly. Win-win situation!

Final reminder - if your employment situation changes or you find new work, make sure to update both Washington ESD and DCS immediately. The garnishment arrangements may need to be adjusted based on your new income level.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble making ends meet with the reduced benefits after child support garnishment, you might want to look into local food banks and community assistance programs. Many areas have resources specifically for people dealing with unemployment and family support obligations. Also, some utility companies have hardship programs that can help keep your lights on while you're getting back on your feet. Don't be afraid to ask for help - that's what these programs are there for.