Can you collect unemployment from a temp agency in Washington?

Yes, you can absolutely collect unemployment from temp agency work! The temp agency is your employer for Washington ESD purposes, not the client companies. As long as you were laid off due to lack of work (which it sounds like you were), you should qualify. Just make sure to list the temp agency as your employer when filing your claim.

Been there! I worked for Express Employment for over a year and collected unemployment twice when they didn't have assignments. The key thing is you have to be available for any work they offer you, even if it's not your preferred type of assignment. You can't turn down reasonable work offers from the temp agency or Washington ESD might disqualify you.

I had issues with this exact situation last year. My temp agency kept saying they had 'potential assignments' but nothing concrete, so Washington ESD initially denied my claim. It took forever to get through to someone to explain the situation. If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about temp agency work, I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to real agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than calling repeatedly.

Make sure you file ASAP! I waited too long thinking the temp agency would find me something and missed out on benefits. Also keep track of all your job search activities because Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week.

this is why temp work sucks... you never know when the rug will be pulled out from under you. at least with regular jobs you usually get some notice

One thing to watch out for - if the temp agency offers you work and you turn it down, they might report that to Washington ESD as you refusing suitable work. Always document your reasons if you have to decline an assignment (like if it conflicts with another job interview or the location is unreasonable).

I'm in a similar boat with Kelly Services. They said they'd call me when something comes up but it's been 3 weeks. Should I file now or wait a bit longer?

The whole temp agency system is confusing for unemployment. I had three different temp agencies and Washington ESD got confused about which one was my 'base period employer.' It took months to straighten out.

Pro tip: Register with WorkSource while you're filing for unemployment. They have good relationships with temp agencies and might help you find new assignments faster.

whatever you do dont lie about why you left or got let go... washington esd will find out when they contact the temp agency and that will mess up your whole claim

I collected unemployment between temp assignments several times. The key is understanding that each assignment ending is a legitimate separation from work. You're not quitting - the assignment is completed or ended due to no fault of your own.

Been through this process twice with different agencies. If your temp agency tries to say you 'quit' instead of acknowledging the assignment ended, you might need to appeal. I had to fight Robert Half on this but won the appeal.

Quick question - do you have to notify all temp agencies you're registered with when you file for unemployment?

The whole system seems designed to make you jump through hoops. I spent 3 hours on hold with Washington ESD trying to explain my temp situation before I found out about claimyr.com. That service actually connected me to someone who understood temp agency employment without all the runaround.

Just want to add that if you do get unemployment approved, make sure you keep applying to other temp agencies as part of your job search. Washington ESD expects you to actively look for work, not just wait for your original agency to call back.

Update us on how it goes! I'm sure other people will end up in similar situations and your experience might help them.

I went through this exact situation with Adecco last year. You're absolutely right to file for unemployment - the temp agency is your employer, and "no available assignments" is a legitimate layoff reason. One thing I'd add is to keep checking in with Staffmark periodically while you're collecting benefits. They might get new assignments, and Washington ESD expects you to maintain contact with your former employer. Also, when you file your weekly claims, make sure to report any days you might work if Staffmark does call you back with short-term assignments. You can still collect partial benefits on weeks when you work reduced hours.