Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to proceed with my application and answer "yes" to the disability question, providing my exact LTD dates. I'll gather all my documentation from Prudential now so I'm ready when ESD requests it. It's a relief to know that they can look at my work history from before my disability period, as I definitely had more than 680 hours in those quarters. I'll update this thread once I hear back from ESD about my claim status.

I went through something very similar! I was on disability for about 8 months, then worked for just 3 months before getting laid off. The key thing to remember is that ESD will look at your "alternative base year" - the 4 quarters BEFORE you went on disability, not the most recent ones. When you answer "yes" to the 13+ weeks disability question, don't worry if the system says they don't have records - that's normal. Just provide your exact dates and continue with the application. They'll manually review your case. Make sure you have your Prudential documentation ready (approval letter, benefit statements, etc.) because they'll definitely ask for it during adjudication. The process took about 5-6 weeks for me, but I was approved because I had plenty of work hours in the years before my disability. The 2 months you worked after returning won't hurt your case at all - if anything, it shows you were actively trying to return to the workforce. Don't give up on the application!

One last tip - make sure you reopen as soon as you become unemployed again. Every week you wait is a potential week of benefits you're missing out on, and you can't get back pay for weeks you didn't file.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The 8-week inactive rule caught me off guard too. Just wanted to add that when you reopen, double-check that your direct deposit info is still current - mine had somehow gotten cleared out during the inactive period and I had to wait for a paper check the first week. Also, if you worked even part-time during those two months, make sure you have your pay stubs handy when reopening since they'll ask about any wages earned. The whole process really is much easier than the initial application though!

My sister closed her claim and applied again 6 months later and they made her explain why she stopped filing the first time even tho she had a job... make sure u save your paystubs just in case!!

Congratulations on landing the job! Just to echo what others have said - you're doing the right thing by asking. The key points are: 1) File your final claim for any week you were fully unemployed, 2) Don't file for weeks where you're working full-time, and 3) Keep documentation of your start date and early paystubs. I went through this same process last fall and it was much simpler than I expected. The system really is designed for people to just stop filing when they find work. Good luck with the new position!

Bottom line: no waiting week in Washington, but still expect normal processing delays. File your weekly claims religiously and be patient. The system works but it's not fast.

Just to add my experience - I filed my Washington ESD claim last month and can confirm there's definitely no waiting week anymore. Got my first payment about 10 days after filing, which was just the normal processing time. Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file and don't forget to register with WorkSource right away - that seemed to help speed things up for me. The key is staying on top of your weekly certifications even while waiting for initial approval.

If you mistakenly answered the school attendance question incorrectly, call ESD immediately to correct this. It's better to voluntarily correct the record than have them discover it later. As for your next steps: 1. File your appeal now - you only have 30 days from the denial notice 2. Simultaneously apply for the Training Benefits Program using form ESD 13-056 3. Continue filing weekly claims, answering all questions accurately 4. Gather documentation of your class schedule and a statement from your school confirming evening-only attendance 5. Prepare a written statement explaining how your class schedule does not interfere with your availability for full-time construction work The approval process for Training Benefits can take 2-4 weeks, but if approved, payments can be backdated to when you applied, assuming you've filed all your weekly claims.

I went through something similar when I was taking welding certification classes at night while collecting benefits. Here's what worked for me: I called ESD (took forever to get through) and explained that my classes were specifically to IMPROVE my construction skills, not change careers. They told me I could either appeal based on availability OR apply for training benefits. I chose the training route because it was less risky - once approved, you don't have to job search as long as you maintain good grades. The whole process took about 3 weeks but I got all my back pay. Pro tip: if your community college program is on their approved training list, the CAT application goes much faster. Check the ESD website for the list before you apply!