Can seasonal employees collect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

That's reassuring to hear. Do I need to prove that the layoff was seasonal or does Washington ESD already know about seasonal patterns in construction?

You don't need to prove it's seasonal - your employer reports the layoff reason to Washington ESD. Construction is a recognized seasonal industry so they understand the pattern.

Good point about job search requirements. What do you do for that during the dead season?

you still have to do 3 job search activities per week but washington esd understands seasonal limitations. i usually apply to temp agencies, check with other contractors for winter work, and take online training courses that count as job search activities

Training courses count? I didn't know that! Do they have to be work-related or can they be general skills?

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

It's way cheaper than missing out on benefits because you can't get through to resolve issues. Check out claimyr.com - they focus on just getting you connected to speak with actual Washington ESD staff.

I was skeptical about services like this but honestly the phone system is so overloaded that sometimes you need help just to talk to someone.

I understand the frustration, but seasonal unemployment is a legitimate part of the system. The law specifically accounts for seasonal employment patterns.

Tell that to the adjudicator who questioned every single one of my work separations like I was lying about seasonal layoffs!

Wait, they can question seasonal layoffs? I thought that was pretty standard.

I don't get vacation pay or anything like that, just straight hourly work. So I should be good there.

Make sure to report ANY income during your weekly claims, even small side jobs. Better to be transparent than have to deal with an overpayment later.

Good advice. I was thinking of waiting until after the holidays but sounds like I should just file now.

definitely file now. the system can be slow and you don't want to lose any potential benefit weeks

I worked for two different companies this year. How do I make sure Washington ESD has all my wage records?

When you file your claim, you'll see a wage summary. If anything looks missing, you can contact Washington ESD to request a wage investigation. Keep your pay stubs just in case.

this is really important! i had wages missing from one contractor and it took weeks to get it sorted out

Thanks, I appreciate that. Sometimes you do feel like you're taking advantage even though you know you're not.

Don't feel bad about it - these are benefits you earned by working and paying into the system!

So I can't just wait for my construction company to call me back in March? I have to actively look for other work?

Technically yes, you need to be available for suitable work. But 'suitable work' takes into account your skills and local job market. In winter, there might not be much construction work available.

This is where understanding your local WorkSource office can help - they know the seasonal employment patterns in your area.

That's good to hear from someone in a similar field. Makes me feel more confident about filing.

Usually it's just 'we'll call when weather gets better and projects start up.' No specific date.

same here, very informal. that's pretty typical for seasonal construction work

My boss usually gives us a rough idea like 'probably mid-March' but nothing definite because it depends on weather and contracts.

How quickly were you able to get through to someone using that service?

Usually within a few hours, sometimes same day. Way better than the endless busy signals trying to call directly.

That's a long track record! Any tips for someone filing for the first time as a seasonal worker?

just be accurate with your information and don't miss your weekly claim filings. set a reminder on your phone or something because missing weeks is a pain to fix

Good to know it works across different seasonal industries. Makes me feel like this is just a normal part of the process.

Exactly! Seasonal unemployment isn't unusual at all, especially in Washington with all the outdoor industries.

That's helpful to know. I might pick up some holiday retail work if I can find it.

Definitely report any work, even if it's just a few hours. Better to be transparent than deal with overpayment issues later.

And remember that the earnings deduction formula means you can usually earn some money and still get partial benefits - it's not all or nothing.

How does he handle the job search requirement when there literally aren't forest service jobs available in winter?

He applies to temp agencies, checks with related employers like tree service companies, and does online training. Washington ESD understands seasonal limitations.

Yeah, I think I'm convinced to file right away. No point in waiting and potentially losing benefits.

Smart move. Better to have the claim active and not need it than need it and have to deal with delays.

Seems like a few people have mentioned that service. Might be worth looking into if I run into problems.

yeah it's legit. they have a video demo that shows exactly how it works - helps you skip the phone queue basically

i looked into this too after seeing it mentioned. seems useful for when you actually need to talk to someone instead of just reading online help

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm going to file my claim this week. Really appreciate the advice and encouragement.

Good luck with your claim! Hope your benefits get approved quickly.

You'll be fine. Seasonal unemployment is totally normal in construction. Welcome to the club!