Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if your school closes mid-semester?

Thanks! I'm not sure what a base period is exactly. How do I figure out if I have enough qualifying wages?

Your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file now, it would include your wages from when you were working before school. You need at least $1,000 in wages during your base period.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? And did you have to do job searches right away?

It took about 6 weeks total because they had to do some kind of review. And yes, I had to start job searching immediately once approved. The work search requirements are the same whether you're a displaced student or regular worker.

What kind of documentation do I need? The school sent an email but that's about it.

The email should work as long as it shows the closure date and that you were enrolled. You might also want to get a letter from the school registrar if possible, or your enrollment records.

I would also suggest getting any documentation about tuition refunds or financial aid impacts. Washington ESD sometimes asks about these things during the eligibility review.

I discovered this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent last month. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to explain my complicated work situation.

I'll definitely look into that. I need to talk to someone who can walk me through the student situation specifically.

Good point. I was thinking about trying to transfer to another school but I guess I need to choose between that and unemployment benefits?

Exactly. You can't be a full-time student and collect UI at the same time. Part-time might be okay but you'd need to check with Washington ESD about their specific rules.

Actually, there are some exceptions for job training programs that are approved by Washington ESD. But regular academic programs usually disqualify you from benefits.

I'll do that today. Should I mention the school closure in my initial application?

Yes, definitely mention it. There's usually a section where you can explain your circumstances. Be clear that you were a student when the school closed and that you had qualifying wages before enrollment.

Did your cousin end up getting benefits? I'm worried they're going to deny me because I was technically a student when this happened.

She did eventually get approved but it took months and she had to appeal the initial denial. The key was proving she had worked before school and was ready to work again.

I hadn't heard of Trade Adjustment Assistance. Is that through Washington ESD too?

It's a federal program but you apply through your local WorkSource office. It's for people whose jobs or training were affected by trade issues, but school closures sometimes qualify.

That's good advice. I'll make copies of everything and keep it all in one folder.

Also scan everything to your computer or phone. That way you can email documents quickly if they ask for them.

You have to conduct a genuine job search, but it doesn't have to be limited to your training field. Washington ESD expects you to look for work you're qualified for, which includes jobs based on your previous work experience.

That makes sense. I guess I'll be looking for jobs similar to what I did before school, plus maybe entry-level positions in healthcare since I did complete some training.

You should try that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. It's specifically designed to help people get through to Washington ESD agents when the regular system isn't working. Really helped me when I had a complex situation to explain.

I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to someone who can help.

How long does the appeals process take? I really can't afford to wait months for this to get sorted out.

Appeals usually take 4-6 weeks, but you can request an expedited hearing if you can show financial hardship. Make sure you file the appeal within 30 days of any denial notice.

Good idea. I paid with a combination of cash and loans, so I should definitely look into what I can recover.

Contact your state's higher education agency too. They sometimes have emergency funds for students affected by school closures.

Thanks for the encouragement. I was starting to feel like maybe I didn't deserve benefits since I was technically a student.

You absolutely deserve benefits if you meet the qualifications. The fact that you were bettering yourself through education shouldn't be held against you.

That's really smart. I'll make sure to ask for that when I talk to someone.

Also get the name and ID number of whoever you talk to. Sometimes it helps to reference specific conversations if issues come up later.