Can I get unemployment after a seasonal job ended in Washington?

That's a relief! I wasn't sure if seasonal jobs were treated differently. Do you know what the earnings requirement is?

You need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period, which is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. With 20 hours a week for 5 months, you should be fine if you were making at least minimum wage.

How many job applications do I need to do each week? I heard the requirements changed recently.

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking activities. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this now.

Really? I've been trying to call for days about my claim. How does it work exactly?

They basically handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

They said they'd "probably" hire me back next November but nothing definite. Does that count as a temporary layoff?

No, that sounds like you're genuinely unemployed. A temporary layoff usually means you have a specific return date within a reasonable time frame. 'Probably hiring back' doesn't create that obligation.

What's a waiting week? Do I not get paid for the first week?

Exactly. Your first week is unpaid but you still need to file your weekly claim for it. It's just how the system works in Washington.

That's helpful! I was worried about how to explain the seasonal aspect but 'lack of work' makes sense.

Yes, that's the right category. Don't overthink it - seasonal layoffs are very common and Washington ESD processes them routinely.

I wasn't planning to travel, but what if I get sick or something? Do I need to report that?

Yes, if you're not able to work for any reason during a week, you need to report that on your weekly claim. Better to be honest than get hit with an overpayment later.

Good point. I should probably start applying to places now rather than waiting to see if the ski resort calls me back.

Definitely. Plus having multiple job prospects is always better than depending on one seasonal employer.

How would I know if they reported correctly? The ski resort seemed pretty organized but you never know.

When you file your claim, Washington ESD will show you the wages they have on record from your employers. If something looks wrong, you can submit pay stubs to correct it.

This was my first year at this particular ski resort, but I did work at a different one two years ago. Would that matter?

It could help your benefit amount if those wages fall within your base period. The system should pick them up automatically but it's worth double-checking.

Is it expensive? I'm worried about spending money when I just lost my job.

I thought it was worth it to avoid the stress of calling over and over. Way easier than the alternative of never getting through.

That's encouraging! I've been putting it off because I thought it would be complicated.

Nah, just gather your employment info and fill out the application. The questions are pretty clear about what they're asking for.

I wasn't planning on school but good to know. What kind of approval?

Washington ESD has a Commissioner Approved Training program that lets you go to school and still get benefits, but you have to apply for it. Regular school usually makes you ineligible.

How do you keep track of your job search activities? Is there a specific format?

I just use a simple spreadsheet with the date, employer name, position applied for, and type of activity. Washington ESD doesn't require a specific format but you need to be able to show your work if they ask.

Thanks for the warning. How can you tell what's legitimate?

Always log into your account directly through the official Washington ESD website. Don't click links in emails even if they look official.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to get basic information about my claim status.

Yeah, wish I had known about that option earlier. Would have saved me a lot of stress.

That's smart thinking. I definitely want to work year-round if I can find something stable.

Exactly. Even if you end up back in seasonal work, showing consistent job search effort looks good if there are ever questions about your claim.

What employment info do they ask for exactly? I want to be prepared.

Employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Basically everything that would be on a resume plus why each job ended.

Welcome to the community! It's great to see you feeling more confident about the process. One quick tip as you're getting ready to file - make sure you apply as soon as possible since there's that waiting week in Washington. Even though you won't get paid for the first week, filing early gets your benefit year started. Good luck with your claim, and don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues during the application process!

This is really helpful, thanks! I'm feeling much better about the whole process after reading everyone's experiences. The pumpkin patch job sounds similar to my ski resort situation. I'm definitely going to start applying for jobs right away rather than waiting to see if I get called back next season. Better to have options! One question though - when you say "job search activities," does that just mean submitting applications, or do other things count too? I want to make sure I'm meeting the requirements properly from the start.