Can seasonal employees collect unemployment through Washington ESD after seasonal work ends?

That's great to hear! Do I need to actively look for work during the gap period even though I know I'll be going back to seasonal work in a few months?

Yes, you still need to meet the job search requirements unless you have a definite return-to-work date with your employer. Keep a log of your job search activities and be prepared to accept suitable work if it's offered.

Thanks for the tip about Claimyr! I'll definitely check that out if I run into issues. What kind of documentation did your employer provide?

Just a letter on company letterhead stating my hire date, that the position was seasonal, and when the season typically ends. Nothing too fancy but it helped speed up the process.

Oh wow, that's concerning. How should I handle the job search requirement then? Should I apply for permanent jobs even if I don't intend to take them?

You should be honest about your availability but also show you're genuinely seeking work. Apply for both seasonal and permanent positions that match your skills. If you get offered permanent work, you can't just turn it down without good cause.

Definitely try that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Adjudication can take forever if you can't talk to someone directly. It's worth it to get connected to an actual person who can look at your case.

I'll look into it, thanks. Did you have to wait long for your adjudication to resolve?

Mine took about 6 weeks total but once I got through to an agent they were able to explain what documentation they needed and it moved much faster after that.

This is really helpful context. Should I mention my upcoming seasonal job when I file my initial claim or wait until I'm asked specifically?

Be upfront about it. Washington ESD prefers transparency and it actually helps your case if you can show a pattern of consistent seasonal employment. It demonstrates you're a legitimate worker just dealing with the nature of seasonal industries.

I hear you but the rules exist for a reason. The system has to prevent fraud while still helping legitimate workers. Seasonal employment does create some gray areas though.

i guess but when you cant even get someone on the phone to explain the rules it feels like theyre trying to discourage people from applying

That's encouraging! How long did it take from filing to getting your first payment?

About 3 weeks for the initial processing, then weekly payments came regularly as long as I filed my weekly claims on time. The most important thing is being consistent with your weekly filings.

Good point! I'll check that before I file. How can you tell if wages are reported incorrectly?

Compare what shows up in your online account to your pay stubs and W-2s. If there are discrepancies, you'll need to contact Washington ESD to get it corrected before filing your claim.

That's reassuring to hear from someone with long-term experience. Any other tips for making the process smoother?

Keep copies of everything - pay stubs, employment letters, correspondence with Washington ESD. Also file your weekly claims on the same day each week to establish a routine. Makes it much easier to track everything.

The basic eligibility requirements are the same regardless of industry. What matters is your wage history and whether you're able and available for work. Some agricultural workers might have different wage reporting scenarios but the UI eligibility is standardized.

ok that makes sense thanks

That's exactly what I was worried about! How did you handle the appeal process?

Had to provide documentation of my job search activities and write a letter explaining my employment pattern. The appeal took about 2 months but I did get back pay for the whole period. Just wish I'd been more thorough with my initial application.

That seems to be the consensus here - thanks for confirming it works! Definitely going to try that if I run into issues.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone at a government agency.

You're right that it's frustrating to need a third party service, but when you need answers quickly it's worth it. I'd rather pay a reasonable fee than miss out on weeks of benefits while waiting to get through.

That's great news! Did you have to provide any special documentation for the seasonal nature of your work?

nope they didnt ask for anything extra. just the standard application. i think as long as you have a solid work history it goes smoothly

That's really practical advice. I hadn't thought about taking temporary work but that makes sense to show you're genuinely available.

Exactly! Even a few weeks of temporary work can help bridge the gap and shows Washington ESD that you're serious about working. Plus you might discover new opportunities you hadn't considered.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.

Happy to help! The seasonal unemployment process can be confusing but Washington ESD does generally work with people who have legitimate seasonal employment patterns. Good luck with your claim!