Can I reopen my ESD claim after accepting a 6-week temp job?
I've been on unemployment for about 2 months now and just got offered a full-time temp position that would last around 6 weeks. Obviously I'm going to take it, but I'm worried about what happens when it ends. If I don't find something permanent during this assignment, can I just reopen my current ESD claim? Or will I need to file a completely new claim? I don't want to mess anything up and end up with no income after the temp job ends. Does anyone know the process for this?
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Sara Hellquiem
Yes, you can reopen your current claim as long as it hasn't expired yet (claims are good for 52 weeks from the initial filing date). Just make sure to stop filing weekly claims while you're working the temp job. Then when the assignment ends, go to eServices and select the "reopen claim" option. They'll ask for info about your temp job and why it ended. As long as you weren't fired for misconduct, you should be able to start collecting benefits again if you don't have new work lined up.
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Oscar O'Neil
•Thank you! That's a relief. So I just stop filing weekly claims while I'm working, and don't need to notify them in any special way that I've found temp work?
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Charlee Coleman
i did this last year.. took a 2 month contract job and then went back on unemplyment after. just stop filing while ur working then reopen when the job ends. EZ process!!
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Liv Park
•Isn't there like a waiting week tho when you reopen?? I thought you don't get paid for the first week again???
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Leeann Blackstein
Make sure u report your last day of work correctly when reopening!!!!! I messed this up and had to deal with an overpayment notice. They're SUPER picky about dates.
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Oscar O'Neil
•Oh that's good to know. I'll be super careful with all the dates when reopening.
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Ryder Greene
This system is designed to trip people up! They don't make it clear AT ALL what happens with temp work. I took a 3-week gig last winter and when I tried to reopen, they put me in adjudication for 6 WEEKS claiming I "voluntarily quit" when the CONTRACT ENDED ON ITS OWN. Had to appeal and everything. Complete nightmare. Just be prepared for them to potentially make this harder than it needs to be.
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Carmella Fromis
•same thing happened to my roomate!! ESD is the WORST
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Liv Park
When you reopen make sure you have your actual FIRST day of work and LAST day of work ready!! I got so confused about this when I had to reopen after my holiday season retail job ended. Also they might ask for the REASON the job ended so make sure to just say "temporary assignment ended" don't say anything about quitting!!
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Sara Hellquiem
•This is excellent advice. When a temporary assignment ends, it's considered a "lack of work" situation, not a quit or termination. ESD has a specific category for this.
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Leeann Blackstein
dont forget that you have to do those job search activities again once ur back on unemployment!!! 3 per week
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Oscar O'Neil
•Right! I was already doing those before, so I'll just pick back up with them. Thanks for the reminder!
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Theodore Nelson
My cousin's husband did this exact thing with a 2 month warehouse job but then they offered him permanent and he's been there 3 years now! Sometimes temp turns into something better! Good luck!
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Oscar O'Neil
•That would be amazing! I'm definitely going to work my hardest and see if they might keep me on. But good to know I have options either way. Thanks!
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Sara Hellquiem
Just to clarify something important: when you reopen your claim, you'll be asked if you've worked since last filing. Say YES and provide accurate information about your temp job including wages earned. This ensures your claim remains valid and prevents potential overpayment issues later.
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Oscar O'Neil
•This is super helpful. I'll definitely be honest about everything when I reopen. Last thing I want is complications with ESD later on. Thanks for all your help!
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