


Ask the community...
One thing to keep in mind is that even if your job loss fits the classical unemployment model, you might still be eligible for additional training programs or resources through WorkSourceWA if your industry is declining. Worth looking into if manufacturing jobs are becoming harder to find in your area.
The bottom line is that classical unemployment is just one way economists try to explain job market problems. Whether your situation fits that model or not, Washington ESD will process your claim based on their standard eligibility criteria. Don't overthink it - just make sure you're meeting all the requirements for your weekly claims.
Great discussion! One more thing to add - the unemployment insurance system is entirely separate from workers' compensation. UI covers job loss, workers' comp covers workplace injuries. Both are paid by employers but they're completely different programs.
Thanks for starting this thread! I learned a lot about how the whole system works. It's actually pretty fair when you understand that employers pay in and get rated based on how many claims they generate.
I had a similar question last month and ended up having to call Washington ESD multiple times to get a clear answer about my specific situation. The automated system and website just weren't detailed enough for my case.
Bottom line: if you've only been working for one month, you almost certainly don't have enough wage credits built up yet to qualify for UI benefits. You'd need to work longer to meet either the standard or alternate base period requirements. But definitely check your previous work history too - those wages might help you qualify sooner than you think.
Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! Sounds like I need to stick with this job a bit longer and hope for the best, but at least now I understand how the system actually works.
Had issues reaching Washington ESD about my partial claim questions too. Ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier - totally worth it to actually talk to a real person who could explain the wage reporting requirements clearly.
Bottom line - yes you can file for unemployment while working part-time. Just be honest, report everything accurately, keep good records, and stay on top of your weekly filings. The system is designed to help people transitioning back to full-time work.
Noah Lee
Final update from me - claim approved after exactly 6 weeks! Got all my back pay and regular payments have resumed. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those still waiting.
0 coins
Ava Hernandez
•Congrats! Was there anything specific that seemed to speed up the final approval?
0 coins
Noah Lee
•Not really, I think it just worked its way through their system. The adjudicator called me on a Friday and by Monday my claim was approved.
0 coins
Isabella Martin
For anyone still struggling to get through by phone, I second the recommendation for Claimyr. Used them last month when I was stuck in adjudication and they got me connected to an agent who explained exactly what Washington ESD needed from me. Worth every penny to end the uncertainty.
0 coins
Elijah Jackson
•How quickly were you able to get through using their service?
0 coins
Isabella Martin
•About 20 minutes from when I submitted my request to when I was talking to a Washington ESD agent. Way better than the hours I wasted trying to call myself.
0 coins