Can you get unemployment for a seasonal job in Washington - confused about eligibility

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment after seasonal work ends! The key is that you're unemployed through no fault of your own - seasonal layoffs qualify. Make sure to report that you expect to return to the same employer when filing your initial claim.

That's a relief! Do I need to do anything special when I file or just apply normally through the Washington ESD website?

Just file normally, but be honest about the seasonal nature. They might put you on standby status if you have a definite return date.

I worked construction last summer and got laid off in October due to weather. Washington ESD approved my claim no problem. Seasonal work definitely counts - you paid into the system so you're entitled to benefits.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm in a similar situation.

About 2 weeks for me, but this was before all the adjudication delays everyone talks about now.

You'll need to meet work search requirements unless you're on standby status. Since you expect to return to Crystal Mountain, ask about standby when you file. This lets you skip job searching if you have a definite return date within 12 weeks.

I don't have an exact return date yet - they usually call in November. Would I still qualify for standby?

If it's not definite, you'd probably need to do regular job search activities. But you can always ask Washington ESD when you file - they'll clarify your specific situation.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my seasonal claim and can't reach anyone. The phone lines are always busy or I get hung up on after waiting forever. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without the endless calling. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was a game changer for me.

Thanks, I'll check that out. I'm getting desperate trying to reach someone about my seasonal employment situation.

I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Way better than calling 200 times a day and getting nowhere.

One thing to watch out for - if you do any gig work or odd jobs during the off-season, you HAVE to report it on your weekly claims. Even small amounts can affect your benefits.

Good point. I might do some private ski lessons occasionally. Do I report that even if it's just cash under the table?

Yes, you're supposed to report ALL work and earnings, even cash jobs. Washington ESD can find out about unreported income and it's considered fraud.

This is super important. Any work you do while claiming needs to be reported, period.

I'm a landscaper and deal with seasonal layoffs every year. Usually file in November and claim until March when work picks up again. Never had an issue with Washington ESD as long as I'm honest about everything.

Do you have to reapply each year or does your claim just continue?

You have to file a new claim each benefit year, but the process gets easier once you've done it before.

Make sure you have all your wage information ready when you file. Sometimes seasonal employers are slow to report wages and it can delay your claim approval.

I have my final paystub - is that enough or do I need something else?

The paystub helps but Washington ESD pulls wage info directly from employers. If there are discrepancies it can cause adjudication delays.

dont seasonal workers have to wait longer for benefits? i thought there was some kind of penalty

There's no penalty for seasonal work. You might be thinking of people who quit voluntarily - that can cause delays or disqualifications.

oh ok that makes sense. i was confused

I worked at a summer camp and filed for unemployment in September. Had to go through adjudication because they questioned whether I was really laid off or if my employment just ended naturally. Took about 6 weeks to resolve but I eventually got approved.

What kind of documentation did you need to provide during adjudication?

They wanted my employment contract showing the seasonal dates and a statement from my employer confirming I was laid off due to lack of work.

This is why it's important to get documentation from your employer when seasonal work ends.

The weekly benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter, so if you worked other jobs during the year besides seasonal work, that could help increase your weekly payment.

I only worked at the ski resort this year. Does that mean my benefits will be lower?

Not necessarily - it depends on how much you earned during your highest quarter. Washington ESD calculates it automatically when you file.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing for seasonal workers. i filed last year and they kept asking for verification of my job search even though i told them i was returning to the same employer

Did you specifically request standby status when you filed? That would have exempted you from job search requirements.

no i didnt know about that option. wish someone had told me

Pro tip: Keep detailed records of your seasonal employment dates and wages. Washington ESD sometimes has incomplete employer reporting and you might need to provide your own documentation.

What's the best way to keep track of everything?

I keep copies of all paystubs, my hire/termination paperwork, and any communication about seasonal schedules. Better to have too much documentation than not enough.

If you're planning to work seasonally long-term, you might want to look into other income sources for the off-season. Unemployment helps but it's not 100% of your wages.

Yeah I'm definitely thinking about that. Maybe some online work or certification courses during the summer.

Just remember to report any work you do while claiming benefits, even if it's just a few hours here and there.

I had to appeal my seasonal unemployment claim because they initially denied it saying I 'voluntarily quit' when the season ended. The appeal took 3 months but I won and got all my back benefits.

That's ridiculous - seasonal layoffs are completely normal. Glad you fought it and won.

Yeah it was frustrating but worth it. The key was having documentation that showed it was a seasonal position from the start.

For anyone struggling to reach Washington ESD about seasonal claims, I used Claimyr after waiting weeks for a callback. They got me connected to an actual person who could explain the standby process for seasonal workers. Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck.

How does Claimyr work exactly? I'm tired of calling Washington ESD and getting nowhere.

You give them your info and they handle the calling and waiting for you. When they get through to Washington ESD, they connect you directly to the agent. Way less stressful than doing it yourself.

Remember that seasonal unemployment benefits can affect your taxes. You'll get a 1099-G form and might owe taxes on the benefits you received.

I didn't think about that. Can you have taxes withheld from the weekly payments?

Yes, you can request tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. It's usually 10% federal tax.

The biggest thing is just being honest about your seasonal employment situation when you file. Washington ESD sees this stuff all the time - it's not unusual or problematic.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about filing now.

Good luck with your claim! The process is pretty straightforward once you know what to expect.

One last thing - if you worked in multiple states during your base period, you might need to file an interstate claim. This can complicate things for seasonal workers who travel for work.

I only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Good, that makes it much simpler. Single state claims are way easier to process.

honestly seasonal unemployment should be automatic if you work the same job every year but the system makes everything so complicated

I agree it could be more streamlined, but the current system does work once you understand the process.

true i guess it just takes getting used to the bureaucracy

For what it's worth, I've been doing seasonal work for 5 years and filing unemployment every off-season. It's become routine and Washington ESD has never given me problems as long as I'm accurate with my information.

That's encouraging to hear from someone with experience. I was worried they'd see it as gaming the system.

Nah, seasonal unemployment is exactly what the system was designed for. You worked, you paid in, you deserve benefits when you're unemployed.