Thank you all for the helpful information! I feel much more confident about filing now. I'll gather all my W-2s, commission statements, and other documentation before I start the application. It sounds like I should expect the process to take longer than usual since I had commission income, but at least I know I'm potentially eligible. I'll update this thread after I file in case it helps others in a similar situation.

Good luck with your application! Just want to add that if you do run into any delays or issues during the process, don't get discouraged. Commission-based claims often take a bit longer to process, but as long as you have your documentation ready (which it sounds like you do), you should be fine. The fact that you got W-2s and worked for the same employer for 2 years is definitely in your favor. Keep us posted on how it goes - your experience will definitely help other commission workers who find this thread later!

Final piece of advice - if you run into any issues with your claim or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, don't give up on trying to reach them. The phone system is frustrating but persistence pays off. Or use one of those callback services like someone mentioned earlier if you can't get through on your own.

Just to reinforce what everyone else has said - there's absolutely no downside to filing immediately after losing your job. I made the mistake of thinking I needed to wait for some kind of "official" termination paperwork from my employer and it cost me. Washington ESD doesn't care about your employer's internal processes - they just need to know you're unemployed and when it started. The application itself takes maybe 30-45 minutes if you have your basic employment info ready. Don't overthink it - just get it submitted as soon as you can!

Good luck OP! The Washington ESD website has pretty clear instructions for filing. Don't let the bureaucracy intimidate you - you paid into this system and you deserve the benefits.

I'm also in Washington and was laid off recently. Reading through everyone's responses here really helped clarify things for me too! One thing I'd add is to make sure you have your bank account info ready when you file - they'll ask how you want to receive payments (direct deposit vs. debit card). Direct deposit is usually faster once you start getting benefits. Also, don't be discouraged if the website seems slow or glitchy sometimes - just keep trying. The system can get overloaded but it does work. Good luck with your filing!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I learned a lot from this thread. Going to apply and hope for the best with my role change situation.

Just want to add another perspective - I'm a substitute teacher in Washington and I was actually able to collect unemployment last summer because subs typically don't have that "reasonable assurance" of work. So the rules definitely vary depending on your exact employment situation. Since you're switching from teaching to librarian, that role change might work in your favor. The key is that it's a different job classification with different duties, even though it's in the same district. I'd definitely encourage you to apply - worst case they say no, but you might be surprised!

Just went through adjudication for refusing a job. They looked at the job duties, wage, location, and my work history. Since the commute was over an hour each way and the pay was 40% less than my previous job, they ruled in my favor. The key is having legitimate reasons and being upfront about it.

I was in a similar situation recently and learned that employers who know you're on unemployment often do report refusals to Washington ESD. The good news is that you have legitimate grounds to refuse unsuitable work - long commutes and significantly lower pay than your previous job are valid reasons, especially early in your claim period. Make sure to document everything about the job offer (commute time, pay, duties) and report it honestly on your weekly claim if you do refuse. It's better to be upfront than have them find out another way. You might also want to review Washington's suitable work guidelines on their website before making your decision.