Can school employees collect unemployment in Washington - confused about my eligibility

I don't have a formal contract guaranteeing my return, but they usually ask everyone back. Does that make a difference?

That's actually a key distinction! If there's no written guarantee of return, you might be eligible. You should definitely file and let Washington ESD make the determination.

That's encouraging! Did you have any issues when you first filed with Washington ESD?

First time took forever because they had to review my school employment. Took about 3 weeks for adjudication.

Never heard of that service before. Did it actually help you get through to someone at Washington ESD?

Yeah, got connected to an agent within like 30 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 hour wait times. Worth it when you need actual answers about your specific situation.

Interesting, I might have to try that too. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for days about my school employment questions.

I understand the frustration, but the rules do make some sense. If you have a guaranteed job in the fall, unemployment isn't really the right program.

Easy to say when you're not living paycheck to paycheck! School employees deserve the same protections as everyone else.

That's really helpful! I do have my time sheets showing I worked 40 hours most weeks. Should I include those when I file?

Absolutely! Those time sheets will be crucial in establishing your work history and earnings for Washington ESD to calculate your benefit amount.

True, but I don't want to mess anything up if I'm not eligible. Don't want to create problems for myself.

Filing when you think you might be eligible is totally fine. Washington ESD will make the determination based on your specific situation.

Oh wow, I didn't think about that. Do I need to apply for jobs even though I'll probably go back to my school position?

Yeah, you need to meet the job search requirements. Keep track of your applications in case they audit your job search log.

The job search requirement is usually 3 job contacts per week in Washington. Make sure you document everything properly.

That's good to know. Maybe I should just file and see what happens like someone else suggested.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already strapped for cash.

It's worth checking out their site for details, but when you consider the time saved and actually getting answers, it was worth it for me.

This has been super helpful everyone. I think I'm going to file and provide all my documentation. Sounds like I might actually be eligible.

Good luck! Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD.

That's really encouraging! Did you have any issues with the adjudication process the first time?

It took about 2-3 weeks for them to review my school employment situation, but once they approved me it was fine.

Seriously, it's a game changer. I wasted so many hours trying to get through the regular way before I found that service.

Yeah, I'm tired of wasting entire days on hold. Going to check out that video demo you mentioned.

Good point! I might do some tutoring this summer so I'll need to keep track of that.

Yes, any earnings need to be reported on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on what you earn.

That does sound similar! I think I'm going to file this week and see what happens.

Good luck! The worst they can do is say no, but it sounds like you might qualify.

I'll make sure to be very detailed in my application. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

You're welcome! Hope it works out for you. Feel free to update us on how it goes.

You're generally required to accept suitable work if offered, but there are some exceptions. You should discuss this with Washington ESD when you file.

The suitable work requirements can be complex. Best to get clarification from Washington ESD about your specific situation.

Thanks! I'm definitely going to file this week. Sounds like most people in similar situations get approved eventually.

Yeah, just be patient with the process. Washington ESD has to review each school employee case individually.

I'm definitely going to try that if I run into issues. Better than wasting days trying to get through on my own.

Good to know there's an option if I need to talk to someone directly. Thanks for sharing that!

Will do! I'll gather all my timesheets, pay stubs, and any other employment documentation before I file.

That's smart. Being prepared with documentation can speed up the adjudication process significantly.

Good luck! Sounds like we're both in similar boats. Hope it works out for both of us!

Best of luck to both of you. Remember to file your weekly claims consistently if you get approved.

This is really reassuring to hear from someone in a similar position! The fact that you got approved even after working at the same school for years gives me hope. I'm in almost the exact same situation - no written contract, just verbal expectations to return, and working full-time hours despite being classified part-time. I'm definitely going to file this week and make sure to highlight those key points in my application. Four weeks seems reasonable for the review process. Thanks for sharing your experience!

This is exactly what I needed to hear! I'm also a school employee (teacher's aide) in a very similar situation - no written contract, just verbal expectations to return, and working full-time hours despite part-time classification. Your experience gives me confidence that I should definitely file. The 4-week timeline is helpful to know too, so I can set proper expectations. Did you have any trouble with the job search requirements during the summer while waiting to return to your custodial position?

This gives me so much hope! I'm in the exact same boat - teacher's aide with no written contract, just verbal assurance they'll "probably" ask me back. The fact that you emphasized the full-time hours despite part-time classification is really helpful advice. I've been stressed about this all week but your success story makes me feel like I actually have a good chance. Going to gather all my timesheets and pay stubs this weekend and file on Monday. Did Washington ESD ask for any specific documentation during your review process?