I've been claiming benefits for about 6 months and have logged several recruiter calls without any issues. The 36-minute length definitely makes it substantial - anything over 15-20 minutes usually shows it was a real conversation about opportunities rather than just a quick screening. I always use "Job Interview" as the category since that's the closest match. Make sure you document the recruiting company name AND the client company they were recruiting for (if they mentioned it). Also note any specific job titles or requirements you discussed. One tip that's helped me - I create a simple template for recruiter calls in my notes: Date, Recruiter Name, Company, Phone/Email, Duration, Position Discussed, Next Steps, and Key Details. This way I'm consistent and have everything ESD might ask for during an audit. The fact that they reached out to you actually strengthens your case since it shows you're an active candidate in the job market. Just make sure you're balancing these recruiter interactions with direct applications too. Good luck with your claim!

Yes, this absolutely counts as a valid job search activity! A 36-minute conversation with a recruiter about a specific position is definitely substantial enough for ESD requirements. I've logged similar calls as "Job Interview" activities without any issues. The key things to document are: - Recruiter's name and contact info - Recruiting firm name - Date and duration of call - Position/company discussed - Any next steps mentioned Since they reached out to you first, that actually works in your favor - it shows you're an active candidate that employers are seeking. Just make sure to send a follow-up thank you email to create a paper trail, and keep detailed notes in case you're ever audited. I'd recommend keeping a good mix of activity types each week (direct applications, networking, interviews) rather than relying solely on recruiter calls, but this one definitely counts toward your requirements. Don't stress about it - your situation sounds completely legitimate!

One final note - make sure to download and save all your ESD documents before your benefit year ends. This includes your monetary determination, all weekly claim confirmations, and any determination letters. If you need to reference anything for future assistance programs or tax purposes, these won't be easily accessible once your benefit year closes out.

I'm in a similar situation - exhausted my regular UI benefits in February and have been scrambling ever since. One thing that helped me was contacting 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone). They have a comprehensive database of local assistance programs that you might not find otherwise, including emergency rent assistance, food banks, and utility help. They can also connect you with local nonprofits that specifically help unemployed workers. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're signed up for job alerts on Indeed, LinkedIn, and the state job board (careers.wa.gov). Set up alerts for keywords like "administrative assistant," "office coordinator," and "patient services" to cast a wider net beyond just "healthcare admin" roles. Sometimes similar skills transfer to other industries better than we think. The waiting and uncertainty is absolutely brutal, but don't give up. I ended up finding something through a temp agency that turned into permanent work - might be worth registering with a few staffing agencies as a bridge while you keep looking for your ideal position.

I'm going through something similar with my Uber driving income dropping way off. From what I've learned reading through all these responses, it sounds like the main takeaways are: 1) Regular unemployment is only for W-2 employees, not contractors like us, 2) The pandemic PUA program that helped gig workers ended in 2021, and 3) There might be other assistance programs worth exploring through WorkSource Washington or DSHS. It's frustrating that the safety net doesn't really cover gig workers, but at least now I know what options to look into. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and suggestions!

I've been following this discussion and wanted to share my experience as someone who transitioned from gig work to traditional employment partly for this reason. I drove for Lyft for about a year and faced the same income volatility issues. What really opened my eyes was realizing that not only do we miss out on unemployment benefits, but we also don't get workers' comp if we're injured on the job, and we're responsible for all our own taxes and vehicle expenses. I ended up taking a dispatcher job with a local logistics company - less flexibility but way more security. The peace of mind knowing I have unemployment protection, health insurance, and paid time off has been worth the trade-off. For anyone in Washington dealing with income drops from gig work, I'd also suggest checking out the state's Basic Food program and energy assistance programs through LIHEAP - these can help bridge the gap while you explore other options.

I'm going through something similar right now - my appeal hearing was last week and I'm seeing the same "adjudication in progress" status. It's nerve-wracking not knowing what's happening behind the scenes! From what I've read here and other forums, it seems like this is just the normal waiting period while they process the judge's decision. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting up text alerts in eServices so I get notified immediately if anything changes. Also been checking the correspondence section daily like others mentioned. The waiting is the worst part but sounds like we just need to hang in there and keep filing those weekly claims!

I'm in a similar boat - had my appeal hearing last month and went through the exact same status changes you're describing. The "adjudication in progress" status appeared about 2 days after my hearing and I was worried it meant something bad. Turns out it's completely normal! Got my decision letter in the mail exactly 12 days after the hearing (favorable decision), and then it took another 5 business days for the payments to actually show up in my account. The whole time I kept filing my weekly claims like others have mentioned. One tip: if you have access to eServices, check the "Letters" or "Correspondence" section daily. My decision actually showed up there 3 days before the physical letter arrived in the mail. Saved me a few days of stress! The fact that your employer didn't show up is definitely a good sign - they can't present their side of the story if they're not there. Hang in there, it sounds like you're on the right track!

Just want to emphasize something that might not be obvious - when you file your initial claim, be completely honest about your work history and separation reason. Washington ESD will verify everything with your former employer anyway, and any discrepancies can delay or even disqualify your claim. I made the mistake of being vague about why I left a previous job (thinking it would help) and it actually created more problems during the review process. They had to do additional investigation which added weeks to my approval time. Also, if you worked for multiple employers during your base period, make sure to list ALL of them, even short-term jobs. Every bit of wages counts toward meeting those minimum requirements.

I went through this exact same situation last year and can confirm you should definitely qualify! With 8 months of steady work at 30-35 hours per week at $15/hour, you'll easily meet the wage requirements. I was working similar hours at about the same pay rate when I got laid off from my manufacturing job. The key things that helped me: 1) Apply online through the Washington ESD website as soon as possible - don't wait any longer since you were laid off 3 weeks ago, 2) Have your employer information ready (company name, address, dates worked, reason for separation), 3) Keep that layoff letter handy in case they need it during review. One tip - when you file your weekly claims, make sure to report that vacation payout you mentioned getting. It might delay your first payment by a week or two, but it's better to be upfront about it. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from application to first payment. Don't overthink it - you clearly qualify based on everything you've shared!