


Ask the community...
this happened to me to. i was on unemployment for like 6 months in 2023. what i did was apply for jobs that i knew i wasnt qualified for so i could keep getting benefits lol. but then i actually got hired at one of them so maybe dont do that haha.
Just a friendly reminder that this approach constitutes UI fraud. When you certify each week, you're legally attesting that you're making genuine efforts to find suitable work. Intentionally applying for positions you know you aren't qualified for to maintain benefits can result in penalties, including having to repay benefits with interest and potential disqualification from future benefits. ESD does conduct random audits of job search activities.
Since you mentioned you're interested in transitioning from manufacturing to logistics, I wanted to add that supply chain certificates are definitely considered in-demand for Training Benefits purposes. The Commissioner's Approved Training list includes several logistics/supply chain programs. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. Complete the Training Benefits application (Form ESD 690-031) available on the ESD website 2. Get documentation from your prospective training program 3. Submit everything BEFORE your regular benefits end 4. Continue filing weekly claims during the application process 5. Connect with WorkSource for possible training funding assistance The approval process typically takes 2-4 weeks currently, so time is of the essence.
Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I've found a 16-week supply chain management certificate at the community college that starts next month. I'm downloading the Training Benefits form right now and will submit everything by Friday. This gives me so much hope - I was really starting to panic about what would happen when my regular benefits run out.
@Ravi Sharma That s'fantastic that you found a program! Just wanted to add a couple tips from when I went through this process: 1 Make) sure the college s'program is on ESD s'approved list before you submit - you can check this on their website or call to verify, 2 Keep) copies of everything you submit because they sometimes lose paperwork, and 3 If) you don t'hear back within 3 weeks, follow up immediately. The 16-week timeline should work well with Training Benefits. Good luck with the supply chain program - that field is really growing right now!
This entire thread has been incredibly informative! I'm a newcomer here and found this discussion while researching the same issue. I'm currently receiving $580/week in UI benefits and was completely unaware that this could affect my Apple Health eligibility until I stumbled across this conversation. Reading through everyone's experiences, especially @Luca Romano's detailed account of calling Apple Health this morning, has been such a relief. The $75/month subsidized marketplace cost is much more reasonable than I feared - I was expecting to pay $300-400+ monthly. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow and use the wahbexchange.org calculator that was mentioned. It's reassuring to know there are actual pathways to maintain coverage even when UI benefits put you over the standard medicaid limits. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice - this community support makes navigating these complex situations so much easier!
Welcome to the community @Liam Murphy! I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you. It's really reassuring to see how many people are in similar situations and that there are actually good solutions available. The collective knowledge here has been amazing - from the practical calling tips to the specific cost information. I'd definitely recommend having your UI payment information ready when you call tomorrow. Also, don't forget to check if your current doctors accept the marketplace plans before you make the switch. Good luck with your call, and please come back and share what you learn! The more experiences we can gather, the better we can help each other navigate these transitions.
This thread has been an absolute goldmine of information! I'm also dealing with the UI/Apple Health situation - receiving $610/week in benefits and was completely stressed about losing my health coverage. Reading through everyone's experiences, especially the success stories from people who actually called and got real answers, has given me so much hope. The $75/month subsidized marketplace option that @Luca Romano discovered is honestly much more affordable than I expected - I was bracing for $300+ monthly premiums. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen discussed much - has anyone dealt with how this affects dependent coverage? I have my spouse on my Apple Health plan and I'm wondering if the income limits and marketplace options work the same way for family coverage. Also planning to check the wahbexchange.org calculator that was mentioned. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - this community support makes navigating these government systems so much less intimidating!
Welcome @Giovanni Rossi! Great question about dependent coverage - that's definitely an important consideration that hasn't been fully addressed yet. From what I understand, the income limits for Apple Health are based on household size, so having your spouse on the plan means you'd qualify for a higher income threshold than someone who's single. For a household of two, the Apple Health income limit should be higher than the ~$20k limit mentioned for individuals earlier in this thread. When you call at 8am tomorrow, definitely ask the rep about how your UI income affects family coverage specifically - they should be able to tell you the exact income limits for a two-person household and what marketplace options would be available for both you and your spouse. The subsidized marketplace plans typically offer family coverage as well, though the premium would obviously be higher than the $75/month single coverage that was mentioned. Make sure to have information about both your and your spouse's income when you call. The wahbexchange.org calculator should also let you input household size and total income to get a better estimate of your options. Good luck with your call!
Just to summarize what everyone's been saying: 1. You can't hide a job refusal by simply not claiming that week 2. However, you don't need to hide this refusal because it appears to be legitimately unsuitable work based on: - 41% lower pay than your previous position - 45-minute commute 3. Document everything about the offer and why you're refusing 4. Report the refusal on your next weekly claim 5. Be prepared to complete a questionnaire about the refusal The key is transparency with ESD about why this work isn't suitable rather than trying to avoid reporting it, which could lead to overpayment issues later.
I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience since it's so relevant to your situation. I just went through almost the exact same thing last month - refused a job paying $15/hr when my previous position was $27/hr in accounting. Like others have mentioned, trying to hide the refusal is risky and unnecessary. I was honest about the refusal, documented the 44% pay difference, and ESD ruled it was unsuitable work. The whole process took about 2 weeks to resolve, and I continued receiving benefits without any issues. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - when you document the refusal, also include information about the job market in your field. I included screenshots from job boards showing typical salary ranges for medical billing specialists in our area to support my case that $17/hr was well below market rate. Good luck with your interviews next week! It sounds like you're being smart about looking for appropriate positions rather than just taking anything.
Just remember - even if things don't go your way with the Board of Appeals, you tried everything you could within the system. Sometimes that's all you can do.
I went through a similar situation with Washington ESD last year and understand how stressful this is. One thing that really helped me was organizing all my evidence chronologically and creating a clear timeline that showed exactly why the ALJ's decision was wrong. When you file with the Board of Appeals, make sure to highlight any evidence they completely ignored - like those supervisor approval emails you mentioned. The Board takes a close look at whether all relevant evidence was properly considered. Also, don't let the 30-day deadline stress you out too much, but definitely don't wait until the last minute either. Take your time to put together a solid appeal that focuses on the legal errors rather than just retelling your story. You've got good evidence on your side, so stay focused and methodical in presenting your case.
Ethan Wilson
i had a similar thing but it was cuz i was in school part time. they wanted proof my classes wouldn't interfere with work availability. i had to get a letter from my school showing class schedule. maybe theres something specific they think might be making u unavailable?? sometimes they don't tell u the real reason in the letter
0 coins
Anastasia Popov
•That's interesting - my letter doesn't mention anything specific, just says they need documentation I was able and available. I'm not in school or anything, so I'm not sure what triggered this. Guess I'll find out when I talk to someone hopefully.
0 coins
Sydney Torres
I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! Got the letter yesterday asking for proof I was "able and available" during the first two weeks of March. Like you said, it feels impossible to prove a negative. I've been reading through all these responses and it sounds like the key is being super detailed in your statement. I'm planning to write something like "During March 1-14, 2025, I was available to work Monday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. I have reliable transportation (2020 Toyota Camry), no medical restrictions preventing work, was not enrolled in school, had no travel plans, and was actively seeking employment as documented in my work search log." The frustrating part is they don't tell you WHY they're questioning it. Was it something I said in my weekly claims? A random audit? Really wish they'd be more transparent about what triggered the review in the first place. Definitely going to try calling first thing Monday morning. If anyone has tips on the best time to call to actually get through, I'd appreciate it!
0 coins