Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if your job is seasonal?

That's good to know! Do I need to do anything special when I file or just apply like anyone else?

Just file normally through the Washington ESD website. Make sure you indicate that you expect to return to the same employer next season.

Wait, do I still have to look for work if I know I'm going back to my same job in spring?

Yes, you still need to do job searches even if you plan to return. Washington ESD requires it for all claimants unless you're on standby status.

Actually, if your employer puts you on standby status, you don't need to search for work. But most seasonal employers don't bother with that paperwork.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it some kind of scam?

It's legit - they somehow get you through the Washington ESD phone queue. I used it twice last year when I had issues with my seasonal claim.

Might be worth trying if I run into problems. The Washington ESD phone system is notorious for being impossible to reach.

That's not accurate. Seasonal layoffs are legitimate reasons for unemployment benefits as long as it's documented properly.

Tell that to my neighbor who got denied twice before finally getting approved. Washington ESD is a nightmare to deal with.

Good to hear! Did you have to provide any special documentation when you first applied?

nope just filed online like normal. my employer already had it set up in their system that we're seasonal layoffs

So I can't travel during the winter while collecting unemployment? That seems harsh.

You can travel, but you need to be available for work interviews and able to start a job if offered one. Extended absences where you're not available could be problematic.

I usually take a week or two vacation in winter but make sure I'm back and available. Never had issues with that.

How would I know if they're trying to do that? My boss just told us we're done for the season.

When you file your claim, Washington ESD will contact your employer. If they dispute it, you'll get a notice and can appeal. Most legitimate seasonal employers don't fight it.

How quickly do they usually approve seasonal claims? I need to know for budgeting purposes.

Mine usually get approved within 2-3 weeks if there are no issues. Sometimes faster if your employer doesn't contest it.

Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago, so you don't have to worry about that anymore. You can get paid for your first week if you're eligible.

Oh that's right, I forgot they changed that rule. That makes it much better for seasonal workers.

This is my second year with this employer. Would that be enough wages to qualify?

Probably, but it depends on how much you earned. Washington ESD looks at your highest quarter earnings in the base period. If you made decent wages last season, you should qualify.

Did he have to deal with any complications or was it smooth sailing?

First year was a bit confusing because he didn't know about the job search requirements, but after that it was routine.

Is that okay to do? Seems like you're not really looking for work if you know you won't take the jobs.

As long as you're genuinely applying and would consider the job if it was a good fit, I think it's fine. The requirement is to search, not necessarily to take any job offered.

Good advice! I'll file as soon as my last day ends. Do I need to wait until I actually finish work or can I file before my last day?

Wait until after your last day of work. Filing before you're actually unemployed can cause problems with your claim.

How much does something like that cost? I'm always skeptical of services that charge to help with government benefits.

I think it's pretty reasonable for what you get - basically guaranteed contact with Washington ESD when you need it. Better than wasting entire days trying to get through on your own.

Makes sense. I'll be completely upfront about the seasonal nature of the work when I file.

Exactly. Transparency is always the best policy with unemployment claims.

Good to know! My employer sometimes calls people back for random projects during the winter.

Yeah, just make sure you report any work when you file your weekly claim. It's better to over-report than under-report.

Thanks for the tip! I'm not great at keeping records but I'll make an effort to stay organized.

It's worth the effort. I had a friend who got audited and had to pay back benefits because he couldn't prove his job search activities.

This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now. Thanks everyone!

Glad we could help! Feel free to post back if you run into any issues during the process.