Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment while starting my own business - need guidance

So even just registering the business name would count as work? That seems like it would disqualify almost anyone trying to be proactive about their career.

It's more about the time and effort you put into it. If you're spending significant hours developing the business, that could affect your availability for work, which is a requirement for UI benefits.

ugh same here, spent 3 days calling and either got busy signals or hung up on after waiting for 2+ hours

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an ESD agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Basically they handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent picks up. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked.

Really? How much does something like that cost? At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything.

The value is definitely there when you consider how much time you save. I spent weeks trying to call on my own with no luck, then got connected within a day using their service.

That makes sense. So I'd still need to do my job searches and be ready to take a job if offered, even while working on the business idea?

Exactly. And you'd need to report any income from the business on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on earnings.

Wait, doesn't Washington have some kind of self-employment assistance program? I thought I read something about that somewhere.

This sounds perfect! How do I apply for the SEA program? Is there a deadline or specific requirements?

You need to have a viable business plan and meet certain criteria. I'd recommend contacting WorkSource to get more details about the application process. The program is competitive though.

I applied for SEA last year but didn't get in. The business plan requirements are pretty extensive and they only accept a small number of people. Still worth trying though!

I feel you on this. The Washington ESD website has so much information but it's not organized in a way that makes sense for real-world situations.

exactly! like they assume you already know all the terminology and procedures but most of us are figuring this out as we go

That's really helpful! Did they give you specific guidance about what activities need to be reported?

They said if you're spending time that would otherwise be available for job searching or employment, it needs to be reported. So market research, business planning, networking for the business - all of that counts.

Thanks for sharing what you learned! This is exactly the kind of clarification I needed too.

How did you track the hours? Did you keep detailed records or just estimate?

I kept a daily log of all business-related activities with specific hours. When I filed my weekly claims, I could give exact numbers. Better to be overly detailed than to risk getting audited later.

This is smart advice. Documentation is everything when dealing with unemployment claims.

That's a good point. I guess the timing matters - like I shouldn't schedule business meetings during normal work hours when I should be available for interviews?

Exactly. You need to show that employment would take priority over business activities if a job opportunity came up.

How would they find out though? I'm not trying to hide anything but I'm curious about their enforcement methods.

business licenses are public record, they cross-reference tax filings, and they do random audits. plus people sometimes report each other out of spite. not worth the risk

Definitely not planning to hide anything! I want to do this the right way, which is why I'm asking all these questions upfront.

Good suggestion! I'll look into setting up an appointment. Do they offer virtual meetings or is it all in-person?

Both options are available depending on your local office. The business counselors are usually pretty knowledgeable about how entrepreneurship affects UI benefits.

That's exactly why I posted here first. I wanted to understand the basics before I try to contact ESD directly.

Smart approach. Having a good understanding of the issues will help you ask better questions when you do talk to an agent.

And if you can't get through by phone, definitely consider using that Claimyr service. I've heard good things about it from several people now.

Interesting! So if I spend money on business registration, supplies, etc., that reduces the 'profit' I have to report?

Yes, but you need to keep detailed records and receipts. ESD will want documentation if they audit your claim.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about moving forward now. I'll start by contacting WorkSource and looking into the SEA program.

Good luck with your business! Washington needs more entrepreneurs.

Keep us updated on how it goes! This thread has been really informative.