Can you collect unemployment if you have a job lined up Washington ESD rules

That's a relief! Do I need to report the future job offer anywhere on my weekly claim or just wait until I actually start working?

You should be fine to wait until you actually start. The weekly claim asks about work performed during that specific week, not future commitments.

So if someone offered me a job tomorrow I'd have to take it even though I have this other one starting in March?

Technically yes, you're supposed to be available for suitable work. But realistically most employers understand if you have a short waiting period. Just don't turn down good opportunities solely because of your future start date.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I had questions about my claim status. Their service helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent who explained the able and available rules clearly. Way better than trying to guess from the website. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That's reassuring! Did you mention the future job during any of your weekly claims or just stay quiet about it?

I didn't mention it until the week I actually started working. The questions are pretty specific about work performed during that week, not future plans.

It's not wrong if you're genuinely unemployed right now and available for immediate work. The system is designed to help people during periods of unemployment, regardless of what might happen in the future.

i guess that makes sense but it still feels weird

This makes sense. I definitely would take other work if something came up before March. Thanks for clarifying!

Good point. I've been applying to construction and related trades jobs, which is what I did before. Should I be looking at other types of work too?

For the first few weeks you can be pretty selective, but after a while Washington ESD expects you to broaden your search. Check the handbook they sent you for the specific timeline.

That's scary. How would they even find out about job offers I might turn down?

Usually through employer reports or if you mention it during an interview with Washington ESD. Just be genuine about your availability and you should be fine.

How much does that service cost? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD about my own claim issues.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com. They focus on getting you connected rather than charging high fees. Much less frustrating than trying to call Washington ESD yourself.

Perfect, that's exactly my situation. Did you have to do anything special on your last weekly claim when you started the new job?

Yeah you'll report your first week of work on your weekly claim and that will end your benefits. Pretty straightforward process.

Thank you! This thread has been really helpful. I feel much better about continuing to file my claims.

I've been keeping track in the WorkSourceWA system. Is that enough or should I have my own separate log too?

The WorkSourceWA system should be sufficient, but I always recommend keeping your own backup records just in case.

Good to hear another success story! Did he mention the future job to Washington ESD or just wait until he started working?

he just waited until he actually started working then reported it on his weekly claim

Will do! I assume that automatically ends my claim once I report full-time work?

Exactly. Once you report full-time work your benefits will stop. You can always reopen your claim later if needed within the benefit year.

That's a longer gap than mine! Did Washington ESD ever question why you weren't finding work sooner?

Nope, never came up. I was doing my job searches and would have taken suitable work if offered. Having a future job doesn't disqualify you from current benefits.

That's helpful to hear from the employer side! I was worried about how this might look.

I'll check that out for more details. Thanks for pointing me to the right section!

I might need to try this. I've been on hold with Washington ESD for hours today trying to get answers about my adjudication.

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helps the most. They specialize in getting you connected when the normal phone lines aren't working.

Perfect summary! Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses. I feel confident about continuing my claims now.

Glad this thread helped! These kinds of situations come up all the time and it's totally normal.

Thanks! Yeah it definitely helps to have that peace of mind while I'm job searching.