Can you collect unemployment after a temporary job ends in Washington?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment after temp work ends. As long as you earned enough wages during your base period and meet the other eligibility requirements, temporary employment counts just like any other job for UI benefits in Washington.

The key thing is whether you're truly unemployed or just between assignments. If the staffing agency considers you still employed and expects to place you again soon, Washington ESD might see it differently than if they've actually terminated your employment.

I had this exact situation last year with a temp agency. Filed for benefits and got approved no problem. Just make sure you report any wages you earned during your base period accurately when you apply.

Wait, I'm confused about this whole thing. I've been calling Washington ESD for days trying to get through to ask about my temp job situation and can never reach anyone. The phone system is impossible!

be careful about temp agencies tho, some of them will fight your unemployment claim saying you quit or refused other assignments

I worked temp jobs for years and collected unemployment between assignments multiple times. Never had an issue as long as I was honest about everything on my weekly claims.

The whole temp work situation is so confusing. I had a 3-month assignment that ended in December and I still don't know if I should have filed or not. Now I'm worried I missed my chance.

Does anyone know if you have to wait a week before getting benefits after temp work? I heard there's a waiting period sometimes.

I'm in a similar boat but my temp agency keeps saying they might have something 'next week' for the past month. Getting really frustrated with this runaround.

Quick question - do temp agency wages show up the same way as regular employer wages when ESD calculates your benefit amount?

I tried filing online but got confused by some of the questions about my temp work. Ended up needing to talk to someone at ESD to clarify, but getting through was a nightmare until I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

For what it's worth, I collected unemployment after every temp assignment I've had over the past few years. Never had any issues as long as the work genuinely ended and wasn't my choice to leave.

One thing to watch out for - make sure your temp agency reports your separation correctly to ESD. Some agencies are sloppy about this and it can cause delays in your claim processing.

I had to appeal my initial denial because the temp agency said I quit when I actually completed my assignment. It got sorted out eventually but was a hassle.

Just want to add that if you're still registered with the temp agency and available for assignments, you need to make sure that doesn't conflict with your job search requirements for unemployment.

The temp agency I worked with actually helped me file for unemployment when my assignment ended. Said it was pretty normal and they deal with it all the time.

Bottom line - temp work is real work and you earned those benefits. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're not entitled to unemployment just because the job was temporary.

Anyone know if there are special considerations for seasonal temp work versus regular temp assignments?

Update for anyone still reading - I went ahead and filed my claim yesterday. The online application was pretty straightforward and I should hear back within a couple weeks. Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement!

I just went through this exact situation last month! My temp assignment ended unexpectedly when the company I was placed at had budget cuts. I was nervous about filing because I wasn't sure if it would count, but I qualified for benefits without any issues. The key thing that helped me was keeping all my documentation from the temp agency - the original assignment paperwork, any communications about the end date, etc. Washington ESD processed my claim in about 10 days and I started receiving benefits right away. Don't hesitate to file if your assignment truly ended through no fault of your own!