I'm also in manufacturing and went through this exact process about 6 months ago when my plant closed. You're doing the right thing by filing weekly claims during the review period - I almost made the mistake of stopping when I first applied. The key things that helped me: 1) Set up a simple spreadsheet to track my 3 job searches each week (employer name, position, date applied), 2) Always upload the job search log even if the system seems glitchy, and 3) Be patient with the approval timeline. Mine took about 5 weeks but once approved, I got benefits throughout my entire welding certification program. The peace of mind knowing you can focus on training without scrambling for work is worth the initial stress of the application process. Hang in there!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I got laid off from my retail management position. The stress of not knowing if you'll have income is real! Here's what worked for me: Keep filing your weekly claims religiously - don't skip even one week thinking "oh I'll just wait until I'm approved." I made that mistake in week 2 and it caused a gap in my payments that took forever to fix. Also, keep a detailed record of every job search you do (I used a simple Google doc with columns for company, position, date, and how I applied). The ESD agents I spoke with emphasized that consistency is key - they'd rather see you doing exactly 3 searches every week than doing 10 one week and 1 the next. My Training Benefits took about 4 weeks to approve, and once they did, I got backpay for the entire period. The program was totally worth it - I'm now working in healthcare administration making 30% more than my old job. Hang in there, the system works but it's slow!

Just wanted to add my experience - I took a day trip to Victoria, BC last year while on unemployment and followed the advice here about reporting it. Lost about $85 for that one day (my weekly was around $595) but had zero issues with ESD. The key is being proactive about reporting it rather than hoping they don't find out. Also, I made sure to check my emails and voicemails frequently that day just in case any employers reached out. The peace of mind from being honest was worth way more than the small benefit reduction. Hope you have a great trip with your sister!

One more thing to consider - if you're driving across the border, make sure you have all the proper documentation (enhanced driver's license or passport) and factor in potential wait times at the border crossing when planning your day. I've seen people get stuck in 2-3 hour waits coming back from Vancouver, especially on weekends. You don't want to miss any important calls or emails because you're sitting in border traffic longer than expected. Also, if you have a smartphone plan that doesn't include Canada coverage, consider getting a day pass so you can still receive job-related communications while you're there. The small cost is worth maintaining your availability for urgent employment opportunities.

I went through something very similar when I was on unemployment a few months ago. I was so worried about messing up my claim that I called ESD directly to ask about a loan I was getting from my credit union. The representative confirmed what everyone here is saying - loans are absolutely NOT income and don't need to be reported. She explained it like this: "If you have to pay it back, it's not income." The key is that you're not earning money through work or services, you're just borrowing money that you'll eventually have to repay. So definitely keep filing your weekly claims and don't stress about the loan affecting your benefits. Just make sure you're still meeting all the other requirements like being available for work and doing your job search activities. Hope this helps ease your mind!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - you're definitely overthinking this! I was in almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago when I needed a loan to cover utilities while job hunting. The way I understood it from ESD's perspective is that they only care about money you EARN, not money you RECEIVE. Since you'll have to pay the loan back, it's not earnings or income in their eyes. I kept filing my weekly claims the whole time and never had any issues. The important thing is to stay consistent with your filing schedule and keep up with your job search requirements. Don't let financial stress make you second-guess the basics - you've got this! And honestly, taking care of your housing situation with a loan is probably going to help your job search anyway since you'll have more stability and less stress. Just make sure to document your job search activities as usual and you'll be fine.

Whatever you decide, make sure to keep looking for work and filing your weekly claims on time. Don't let financial stress derail your job search. There are solutions out there, you just have to find the right one for your situation.

Another option to consider is checking with your bank about an overdraft line of credit if you have direct deposit set up for your unemployment benefits. Some banks will extend a small credit line based on regular deposits, even if it's unemployment income. The rates are usually better than personal loans and you only pay interest on what you use. Also, if you're comfortable with it, you could try a GoFundMe or ask friends on social media - sometimes people are willing to help with specific needs like car repairs when they can see exactly what the money is for.

Final thought - document everything! Keep copies of all your weekly claim submissions, records of business income, job search activities, everything. If Washington ESD ever questions your claims later, you'll need proof of what you reported and when.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I started freelance writing while collecting unemployment. The most important things I learned: 1) You absolutely must report ALL income from your business activities, even if it's just $20 that week, 2) Keep meticulous records of both your business income AND your job search activities - I use a simple spreadsheet for both, 3) The $5 exemption only applies to the first $5 you earn each week, after that it's dollar-for-dollar reduction in benefits. I actually found that having some business income helped me feel more productive during my job search, and it eventually led to networking opportunities that helped me find my current full-time position. Just be completely transparent with Washington ESD and you'll be fine. Also, consider setting aside some money for taxes on your business income since they won't withhold anything like a regular employer would.