Can a contractor collect unemployment benefits in Washington state?

How would I know if I was misclassified? I've been filing 1099s but the work was pretty much full-time with one main client.

Look at the IRS worker classification test - if they controlled your schedule, provided equipment, and treated you like an employee, you might have been misclassified. Washington ESD will investigate this during adjudication.

Same thing happened to me. Spent weeks trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD just to be told I didn't qualify.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I did have a part-time W-2 job about 8 months ago that lasted for 3 months. Would that help my case?

Yes! That could definitely help. You need to look at your base period wages - if you earned enough in W-2 wages during the right quarters, you might qualify for partial benefits.

Be careful though - even if you qualify based on W-2 wages, you'll still need to meet the ongoing eligibility requirements like job search and being available for work.

You should definitely file a claim and let Washington ESD investigate the employment relationship. They have specific criteria for determining if someone was misclassified.

I tried but got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Finally got it sorted out but it was a nightmare dealing with Washington ESD phone system.

Because Washington ESD makes everything unnecessarily complicated. The rules change depending on your specific situation and they're terrible at explaining things clearly.

This is exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to help people navigate this confusing system and actually talk to someone who can give you real answers about your specific situation.

I did work for multiple clients and provided my own equipment, but the main client pretty much set my schedule and deadlines for everything.

That's a gray area. Schedule control is one factor but not the only one. You'd need to look at the totality of the working relationship.

Good point. I should probably look into that too. Any ideas where to start?

WorkSource WA has resources for self-employed folks, and there are sometimes federal programs available. Also check with your local community action agencies.

Adjudication can take forever. I waited 6 weeks for mine to get resolved.

That's brutal. When I was stuck in adjudication, I used Claimyr to actually get through to someone at Washington ESD who could explain what was happening with my case. Saved me weeks of wondering what was going on.

I might have to try that. Getting through on the phone normally is impossible.

That makes sense. I assume I'd be looking for employee positions, not more contract work?

You'd need to be available for and seeking suitable employment, which usually means W-2 employee positions for UI purposes.

Yeah, a lot of people got used to those expanded benefits and don't realize they're gone now.

Exactly. The current Washington ESD system is back to pre-2020 rules for the most part.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll gather all that stuff before I even try to file.

Smart move. Being prepared upfront can save you a lot of back and forth with Washington ESD later.

How much is considered 'significant'? I made about $4,800 in W-2 wages over those 3 months.

You need to meet the minimum wage requirements for your base period. In Washington, you need at least $5,265 in your entire base period and at least $3,510 in your highest quarter. Your $4,800 might work depending on when exactly you earned it.

That gives me hope for my situation. How did they prove they were misclassified?

They showed that the company controlled their schedule, provided all equipment, required them to work exclusively for that company, and treated them exactly like other employees except for the tax forms.

I'll look into that too. Any specific programs you'd recommend checking out?

Start with your local DSHS office and see what they have available. Food assistance and medical coverage can help bridge the gap while you're looking for work.

Good for you! Make sure to continue filing your weekly claims even while they're reviewing your eligibility, or you could lose potential benefits.

Smart move. And if you get stuck trying to reach Washington ESD about your claim status, remember that Claimyr can help you get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues getting information about my claim.