Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you are in school?

That's a relief! Do I need to report my class schedule when I file my claim?

Yes, you'll need to report your school schedule and show that you're available for work outside of class hours. Make sure you can accept a job that might conflict with some classes if offered.

How did you handle the job search requirement? Did you have to apply to jobs that might interfere with your class schedule?

I applied to evening and weekend positions mostly, but I also indicated I was willing to drop classes if I got a full-time offer. They want to see you prioritize work over school.

Good to know. I'm only part-time so hopefully that helps my case.

wait so full time students cant get unemployment at all??

Not necessarily, but it's much harder to prove you're available for full-time work if you're carrying a full course load. Each case is evaluated individually.

That sounds helpful! Was it expensive to use?

They focus on getting you connected rather than charging crazy fees. Worth it when you can't get through on your own and need answers about your specific situation.

Never heard of that service before but calling Washington ESD is definitely a nightmare

My classes are only Tuesday/Thursday mornings, so I should be available most other times. Does that count?

That schedule sounds reasonable for meeting the availability requirement. Just be prepared to explain your availability clearly in your application and weekly claims.

Students have always been able to apply, but they have to meet the same availability requirements as everyone else. It's not that the rules changed, it's that many people don't realize students can qualify if they meet the criteria.

oh ok that makes more sense. guess i was misinformed

Financial aid typically doesn't affect your UI benefits since it's for educational expenses, not income replacement. But you should report it to be safe.

I reported my financial aid and it didn't impact my benefits at all. Better to be transparent than risk issues later.

I've been looking at their website but it's not very clear. Thanks for clarifying!

Yeah their website is terrible. Half the links don't work and the info is scattered everywhere.

Glad it's helping you too! Sounds like we're in almost the exact same situation.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Made a huge difference for me.

So if I have a class from 9-noon on Tuesday, I should mark that I wasn't available Tuesday morning?

That's a gray area. You could still work early morning or afternoon that day. I'd say you were available that day but be prepared to explain your schedule if they ask.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks total. It was stressful but worth it. I ended up getting all my back benefits once they approved it.

Good point about the appeal option. Many people don't realize they can challenge a denial if they have valid reasons.

Trade school is treated the same way - you need to show you're available for work and prioritizing employment. The type of school doesn't matter as much as your availability.

ok cool thanks. my program is only 3 days a week so i should be good

My program isn't vocational training, just general education credits. But good to know for others!

Yeah, the approved training programs are specific career-focused programs that Washington ESD has pre-approved. Regular college classes don't qualify.

That's really helpful insight. I'll make sure to be very clear about when I'm available to work.

Also, if you do get denied, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason and many student claims get approved on appeal.

Same here! I almost didn't apply because I thought being in school automatically disqualified me.

A lot of people think that. The key is meeting the work availability requirements, not your student status.

Online classes might actually help your case since you have more flexibility in when you complete coursework. You can potentially work around job schedules easier.

That's what I was thinking. My online classes don't have set meeting times so I'm pretty much available whenever.

Seems like several people have had success with that service. I might need to try it if I run into issues.

Yeah, worth it just for the peace of mind of talking to an actual person who knows the rules.

Good point. My Pell Grant is pretty small but I should make sure it doesn't affect anything.

Financial aid is generally not counted as income for UI purposes since it's specifically for education, but reporting it is always the safer option.

Right, I need to make sure I can realistically apply to enough jobs while managing my school schedule.

As long as you're genuinely looking and available, you should be fine. Just keep good records of your applications.

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to come back and ask if you run into any issues during the process.

You've got this! Just remember to prioritize work over school if you want to keep getting benefits.

Hope it works out for you! This thread helped me understand the rules too.