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!

I've been through this situation multiple times with different temp agencies over the years. The most important thing is to file as soon as your assignment ends - don't wait around hoping the agency will find you something new right away. In my experience, Washington ESD treats temp work exactly the same as regular employment for benefits purposes. Just make sure you're clear about your separation reason when you file (assignment completion vs. quitting vs. being let go). Also, keep applying to other jobs while you're collecting benefits since you still need to meet the job search requirements. The temp agency might call you back eventually, but don't put your life on hold waiting for that to happen.

I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago! My 8-month temp assignment through a staffing agency ended when the contract expired, and I was really unsure about filing for unemployment. Turns out I was worrying for nothing - temp work absolutely counts for UI benefits in Washington as long as you meet the wage and hour requirements. The process was actually pretty smooth once I got started. My biggest advice is to apply online as soon as possible after your assignment ends, and make sure you have all your wage information ready from the temp agency. Also, when they ask about your reason for separation, be clear that your assignment ended/contract expired rather than saying you quit or were fired. I got approved within about 2 weeks and have been collecting benefits while actively job searching. Don't let the temporary nature of the work make you think you're not entitled to benefits - you paid into the system just like any other employee!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's worked with temp agencies for the past few years - you absolutely should file for unemployment! I was in a very similar situation where my 4-month assignment ended and the agency said they'd "look for something else" but couldn't give me a timeline. I waited about a week before filing and wish I had done it immediately. The application process was straightforward, and I was approved without any issues. One thing that really helped me was calling the temp agency and asking them to email me confirmation that my assignment had ended and they didn't have immediate placement available - having that in writing made me feel more confident about my claim. Washington ESD has been pretty good about processing temp worker claims in my experience. The main thing is just being honest about your situation and not letting anyone make you feel like temp work somehow "doesn't count" - it absolutely does!

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago with a temp agency placement that lasted 5 months. The agency kept giving me the runaround about "maybe next week" for new assignments, so I finally just filed for unemployment benefits. Best decision I made! Got approved within about 2 weeks and have been collecting ever since while looking for permanent work. The key things that helped me were: 1) Filing immediately after my assignment ended rather than waiting around, 2) Being very clear on the application that my "assignment was completed" rather than saying I quit or was fired, and 3) Keeping all my paperwork from the temp agency just in case. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about filing - you worked, you paid taxes, and you're entitled to these benefits just like anyone else whose job ended. The temporary nature of the work doesn't disqualify you at all in Washington state.