Can teachers apply for unemployment benefits during summer break in Washington state?

Teachers have specific rules for unemployment in Washington. If you're on a contract with reasonable assurance of returning to work in the fall, you typically can't collect UI benefits during summer break. Since you're a substitute without a contract, your situation might be different.

I tried this last year and got denied initially. Washington ESD said I had 'reasonable assurance' even though I'm just a para-educator. Had to appeal and it took forever to get through to anyone to explain my situation.

You should definitely apply and let Washington ESD make the determination. The 'reasonable assurance' rule is complex and depends on your specific situation. Document everything about your employment status and lack of guaranteed work.

If you do get stuck in adjudication or need to reach someone at Washington ESD about your teacher status, I recently found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

The key thing is whether you have a contract or letter of intent for next year. If you're truly a substitute with no assurance of work, you should be eligible. But Washington ESD's initial determination might not reflect the nuances.

my sister is a teacher and she cant get unemployment over summer even tho she doesnt know if shell have a job next year its stupid

I work as a para and got approved for summer unemployment last year. The trick is how you answer the questions about reasonable assurance. Be honest but clear about your actual employment status.

The Washington ESD website has information about school employee eligibility, but it's pretty confusing. Might be worth reading through it before you apply.

Been dealing with this for years as a substitute. The worst part is if they deny you initially, trying to get someone on the phone to explain your situation is nearly impossible. Washington ESD's phone system is awful.

Just file the claim and see what happens. Worst case they say no and you appeal. Better than not trying at all.

Make sure you're looking for work too if you get approved. The job search requirements still apply even if you're planning to go back to teaching in the fall.

I was a lunch supervisor and got benefits over summer. Key was showing I wasn't guaranteed hours or a position for next year.

The 'reasonable assurance' thing is so subjective. What one adjudicator considers reasonable assurance, another might not. It's frustrating.

Applied last month as a substitute and still waiting for a decision. My claim has been in adjudication for 3 weeks now.

Whatever you do, don't wait too long to apply. There's a deadline for when you can file after becoming unemployed.

Got approved as a substitute teacher last summer but had to provide a lot of documentation about my employment status. Have your pay stubs and any correspondence with the district ready.

The system is set up assuming most school employees have contracts with reasonable assurance. As a substitute, you're in a gray area that requires more explanation.

Good luck with your application! The process can be frustrating but many substitutes do qualify for summer benefits.

Update us on how it goes! These threads are helpful for other teachers in similar situations.

One more thing - if you do get approved, remember that you'll need to file weekly claims throughout the summer to continue receiving benefits.

As someone who's worked in HR for a school district, I can confirm that substitute teachers are in a unique position regarding unemployment benefits. The key factor is whether you have "reasonable assurance" of employment for the next school year. Since you work for multiple districts and don't have a contract, you should definitely apply. Make sure to emphasize in your application that you're an on-call substitute with no guaranteed work or hours for next year. The worst they can do is deny you, but many subs in your situation do qualify for summer benefits.