Can teacher aides collect unemployment during summer break in Washington state?

I don't have a contract for next year yet, just verbal assurance from my principal. Does that count as reasonable assurance?

Verbal assurance usually isn't enough for Washington ESD to deny benefits. They need written documentation of reasonable assurance.

That's frustrating! Did you appeal the decision?

Yeah I appealed but it took forever and by the time they reviewed it, school was starting again anyway.

Good point, I'll file this week. Do I need to do anything special on the application?

Just be honest about your employment situation and that you have no written assurance of work in the fall.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. I was able to speak with someone within a day of using it.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth checking out their site for details. Way better than spending hours on hold getting nowhere with Washington ESD's regular phone system.

I know right? It's not like we choose to not work over the summer.

Actually teachers don't get paid all summer - their annual salary is just spread out over 12 months instead of 9. But I agree support staff get a raw deal.

That's encouraging! Did you ever have any issues with Washington ESD questioning your eligibility?

Nope, went through fine every year. Just had to do the weekly claims and job search requirements like anyone else.

Wait, we have to do job searches even though we know we're going back to school in fall?

Yep, Washington ESD doesn't care that you plan to return. You still need to show you're looking for work while collecting benefits.

Good to know! I was hoping to get benefits right away since our last paycheck was already two weeks ago.

Yeah unfortunately there's always a delay. But once it gets approved the payments are retroactive to when you first became unemployed.

I wouldn't recommend being dishonest on your application. That could lead to overpayment issues later if Washington ESD finds out.

She's not lying, just not volunteering information they don't specifically ask for. There's a difference.

Better to be upfront and honest. Washington ESD will find out about your school employment anyway when they verify your wages.

I don't think we have a union at our school. It's a smaller district.

Even non-union districts usually have someone in HR who deals with unemployment questions. Worth asking.

That's so weird! You'd think they'd have consistent rules for all school support staff.

Right? I think it depends on which adjudicator reviews your case and how familiar they are with school employment.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Could be applications, networking, or other approved activities.

It's actually 3 work search activities per week, and they have to be documented in your WorkSourceWA account.

Thanks for the warning! I'll file this weekend.

Good idea. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start getting benefits if you're approved.

Yes, I used it last month when I couldn't get through on my own. Really made a difference in getting my adjudication issue resolved quickly.

I was skeptical at first but tried it when I was stuck in adjudication for weeks. Worth every penny to actually talk to a real person at Washington ESD.

Okay you've convinced me. Going to check out their site now.

How long does the appeal process take?

Usually 4-6 weeks, but it can be longer during busy periods. That's why it's better to get it right the first time if possible.

Do you usually get approved for summer benefits?

About half the time. It really depends on whether the district sends in paperwork saying we have reasonable assurance or not.

Even if it's just a day or two of training?

Yep, any income needs to be reported. Washington ESD can reduce your benefit amount for that week based on what you earned.

Thank you! Fingers crossed. This thread has been really helpful.

Let us know how it goes! Always good to hear success stories for other school employees.

I hadn't thought about that option. Are there specific programs for education workers?

There are various workforce training programs through WorkSourceWA. Worth looking into if you want to use the summer productively.

Exactly! We didn't choose to be unemployed over the summer.

Right, it's not like we can work at the school when it's closed. We need income too.

Great advice! I'll make sure to save any emails or letters from my principal about next year.

Exactly. Paper trail is everything when dealing with unemployment claims.

That's really encouraging to hear! @Laura Lopez Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you have to do anything special when explaining your employment situation to Washington ESD, or was just mentioning the lack of written assurance enough? I m'planning to file this weekend and want to make sure I phrase everything correctly on the application.