This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - just got approved for unemployment and was hesitant to start the medical assistant program I'd been considering because I wasn't sure about the rules. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like as long as I keep it part-time and stay actively job searching, I should be okay. The 20 hours per week guideline is really useful to know. I'm definitely going to report everything upfront to avoid any issues down the road. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

This is exactly the kind of comprehensive discussion I was hoping to find! I'm also considering enrolling in a part-time program while on unemployment and was really nervous about how it might affect my benefits. The 20-hour guideline and emphasis on staying available for work during business hours makes a lot of sense. I especially appreciate everyone sharing their actual experiences - both positive and negative. It's clear that being upfront and transparent with Washington ESD from the start is crucial. The mention of the Training Benefits Program is intriguing too, since my program is in a high-demand field. Definitely going to call ESD before I make any final decisions about enrollment. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful information!

btw anyone know if OP will get paid the WA benefit amount or the Colorado amount? cuz WA benefits are wayyy better than most states! thats the one good thing about filing with WA!

Just wanted to add something that might help others in similar situations - if you're filing an interstate claim, make sure to keep detailed records of EVERYTHING. Save screenshots of your application, confirmation numbers, any correspondence, etc. Interstate claims can sometimes get stuck in the system between states and having documentation makes it way easier to resolve issues if they come up. Also, don't panic if your first payment takes longer than usual - interstate claims often have a longer processing time than regular in-state claims. Good luck with your claim processing!

This has been such an educational thread! I'm currently on unemployment and was definitely overthinking the job search requirements. Reading through everyone's experiences has really helped me understand that Washington ESD wants to see genuine effort rather than just checking boxes. I've been keeping a basic list of my applications, but after seeing how important detailed documentation can be (especially if you get audited), I'm going to upgrade to a more comprehensive tracking system. One thing that really stood out to me is how many different activities actually count - I had no idea that networking events, temp agency visits, and even relevant training courses could fulfill the requirements. I've been limiting myself to just online applications, which sometimes made it challenging to find 3 legitimate opportunities each week in my field. Now I can be more strategic about mixing different types of job search activities while still focusing primarily on actual employment opportunities. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences and tips. It's so much better to learn from people who have actually navigated this process successfully rather than trying to decode the sometimes confusing official guidelines!

I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences! As someone who just started collecting unemployment benefits, this thread has been incredibly valuable. I was getting anxious about the job search requirements because the official Washington ESD website isn't super clear about what specifically counts. Reading through all these responses, I feel much more confident now. I've been doing mostly online applications through Indeed and LinkedIn, but I didn't realize that each individual application counts as a separate contact. I also had no idea that networking activities, temp agency visits, and even relevant training courses could count toward the weekly requirements. I'm definitely going to start keeping better records in a spreadsheet like several people suggested. The audit stories are a bit scary but it sounds like as long as you're genuinely trying to find work and documenting everything properly, you'll be fine. One follow-up question - for those who have been through audits, how much time did Washington ESD give you to provide your documentation? I want to make sure I'm prepared but wondering if they give you a reasonable amount of time to gather everything together.

One resource I forgot to mention - WorkSourceWA.com has job search tools and resources that can help with your work search requirements. They also sometimes have job fairs and workshops that count toward your weekly work search activities.

I went through a layoff situation last year and wanted to share a few practical tips that helped me. First, when you file your initial claim, have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready - it makes the process much smoother. Second, set up direct deposit right away so you don't have to wait for checks in the mail. Third, I found it helpful to file my weekly claims on the same day each week (I did Sundays) to stay consistent. The system can be overwhelming at first, but once you get into a routine it becomes much more manageable. You're smart to ask questions ahead of time - that preparation will really pay off. Best of luck with everything!

This thread highlights a really important issue - the inconsistency in guidance from ESD agents. @Yang Wang's experience of being told rental income counts as self-employment directly contradicts what multiple others have experienced and what the official policy seems to indicate. I think this shows why it's so crucial to get clarification in writing or speak with a supervisor if you get conflicting information. For anyone facing this situation, I'd recommend: 1) Document exactly what the agent tells you and get their name/ID if possible, 2) Ask for specific policy references they're citing, and 3) Consider calling back to speak with a different agent if you get an answer that doesn't align with the general consensus. The difference between passive rental income and self-employment classification could significantly impact your benefits, so it's worth getting multiple confirmations before proceeding.

Given the conflicting information that's come up in this thread, I think it's worth mentioning that rental income classification might depend on how it's structured on your tax returns. If you file Schedule E for rental income (which most single-property owners do), that's typically considered passive income. However, if you file Schedule C because you're treating it as a business with significant time investment, that could be why some agents classify it as self-employment. @Yang Wang's experience might reflect this distinction. For @Anita George's situation with a duplex where she lives in half and rents the other half, this would almost certainly be Schedule E passive income territory. But definitely get it confirmed directly with ESD and ask them to reference the specific policy they're using - that way you'll have documentation if there are any issues later.