Can per diem employees collect unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have any issues during the application process since you worked for multiple employers?

Not really, just make sure you report ALL your employers from the past 18 months when you file. Washington ESD will contact each one to verify your wages and work history.

Good point about the involuntary reduction. My hours went from about 32 per week to maybe 8-10, so that should definitely count.

Exactly! That's a substantial reduction. Make sure to document this when you file your claim - keep records of your typical hours versus current hours.

That sounds super frustrating! I had a similar issue with getting through to Washington ESD. Have you heard of Claimyr? It's a service that helps people get through to ESD agents. I found it at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that but I'll definitely check it out. Anything is better than calling 500 times and getting disconnected.

Thanks for sharing that resource! I'm worried about getting stuck in adjudication too since I have so many different employers.

Yes, you still need to meet the job search requirements unless you're on standby status with a specific employer. Per diem workers typically need to log 3 job search activities per week just like other claimants.

ugh that's annoying but makes sense i guess

Should I gather all my pay stubs before I file, or will Washington ESD get that information directly from my employers?

Washington ESD will contact employers directly, but it's good to have your pay stubs as backup in case there are discrepancies or if an employer doesn't respond quickly.

That's exactly my situation! How did you explain it in your application? I'm worried they'll think I'm still employed and not eligible.

I emphasized that my work opportunities decreased dramatically due to employer budget cuts, not by my choice. I also provided documentation showing my typical hours versus current available hours.

Good reminder! I assume I report the gross amount before taxes?

Yes, always report gross earnings. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your weekly benefit amount.

Totally agree! That's why I ended up using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD who could explain how the rules apply to per diem work specifically. Worth every penny to avoid the confusion.

I might have to look into that service too. This is all giving me a headache.

That makes sense. I usually work any shift they offer me, so I should probably indicate full availability.

Oh wow, I never thought about that distinction. All my per diem positions are W-2 employee positions, not 1099 contractor work.

That's good! Having W-2s will make it much clearer that you're an employee eligible for UI benefits.

No, the calculation is the same. Washington ESD looks at your highest earning quarter during your base period and calculates your weekly benefit amount based on that, regardless of whether you were per diem, part-time, or full-time.

ok cool that's what i was hoping

I'm definitely going to check out that service. Sounds like it could save me a lot of stress and confusion.

That's encouraging! I was worried they'd be suspicious of per diem workers since our work patterns are so irregular.

As long as you're truthful and can show that your work reduction wasn't voluntary, they're pretty fair about it.

You can count checking in with your existing per diem employers about available shifts as job search activities. Also look into other healthcare facilities, temp agencies, or even non-healthcare jobs if you're open to branching out.

oh ok that helps, i didnt know checking for shifts could count

You're right, I've been putting it off hoping things would pick up. I should probably file this week.

Definitely file ASAP. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, even if you were eligible during those weeks.

Good point about keeping records. I should probably email my supervisors to document the hour reductions in writing.

That's great news! I'm definitely going to use Claimyr if I run into any issues with my claim.

So glad it worked out for you! It's amazing how much stress that service can save when dealing with Washington ESD.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now. Going to start my application tomorrow.

Good luck! You've got this. Per diem workers deserve unemployment benefits just like anyone else when work dries up.