Can seasonal employees collect unemployment benefits in Washington state?

That's great news! Do I need to actively look for work during the off-season or can I just wait for my seasonal job to start back up?

You do need to actively search for work and be available. However, you can specify that you're only available for certain types of work or during certain hours. Just document your job search activities.

How long does it usually take to get approved? I'm thinking about filing this year.

Usually 2-3 weeks if there are no issues. Sometimes they need to verify your seasonal work pattern but that's normal.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it really does! I was skeptical at first but it got me connected to an actual person who resolved my adjudication issue in like 10 minutes.

Interesting, I might need to try that. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim.

Yep! As long as you meet the wage requirements and are available for work, seasonal employment history doesn't disqualify you from UI benefits.

damn wish i knew this sooner. ive been struggling every winter

Be honest about your situation. You can mention you have seasonal work but that you're available for other employment during the off-season. Washington ESD understands seasonal employment patterns.

I always just tell them I'm between seasonal positions and looking for work. Never had an issue with that approach.

Right? I always feel like I'm gaming the system but technically I am available for work and looking.

You're not gaming anything - you're entitled to benefits based on your work history. The job search requirement exists to ensure you're genuinely available for work.

You can work part time and still collect partial benefits. Just make sure to report all earnings accurately on your weekly claims.

Good to know, thanks!

You should answer honestly that you're available for work but may have limitations. You can specify that you're available until your seasonal position resumes.

That makes sense. I was overthinking it I guess.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it's so much easier than sitting on hold for hours. I've used it twice now when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

I'll have to check that out. Three hours on hold was brutal.

Is there a minimum amount you need to have earned to qualify?

Yes, you need at least $1,000 in your base period and wages in at least two quarters. Most seasonal workers who've worked multiple seasons easily meet this.

What kind of records do they want to see?

Job applications, contacts with employers, networking activities. I keep a simple spreadsheet with dates and details.

Good point. My resort sometimes needs people for spring maintenance but it's usually only a few days of work.

You'd need to report that offer and your response. Sometimes short-term work isn't considered suitable work but it depends on the situation.

Exactly! These benefits exist for situations like seasonal employment gaps.

I wish more seasonal workers knew about this. So many people struggle during off-seasons when they don't have to.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the decision. It was worth it though - got all my back benefits.

You can file online through the Washington ESD website. It's much easier than calling and you can do it 24/7.

Perfect, thanks! I'll do that this week.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Missed one week and had to jump through hoops to get it back.

The weekly claim filing is probably the most important part of the whole process. Set a reminder on your phone.

File as soon as you're unemployed. You can always report any work you do later, but you can't backdate benefits if you wait too long to file.

Makes sense. Better to file early than miss out on benefits.

Same here! I can't believe I've been missing out on this. Going to file as soon as the season ends.

Spread the word to other seasonal workers. Too many people don't know about this.

I'm definitely bookmarking that in case I need it. The idea of spending hours on hold is not appealing.

Yeah it's worth having as a backup option. Hope you don't need it but good to know it exists.

Adrian, you're so right about how many seasonal workers don't know about this! I work at a marina seasonally and only found out about UI benefits by accident when a coworker mentioned it. The whole system seems designed to help people in our exact situation - we work hard during peak seasons and deserve support during the gaps. Definitely encourage other camp workers to look into this too. Summer camps employ so many seasonal staff who could probably benefit from filing claims during the school year months.