Can you turn down a job on unemployment without losing Washington ESD benefits?

That's a relief! My previous job paid $22/hour and this one is only $15.50. Plus it's 45 minutes away. Do I need to document why I'm turning it down?

Yes, definitely document everything - the job offer details, why it's not suitable, and keep records. You might need to explain it to Washington ESD later.

How long before they start expecting me to take anything? I'm only 6 weeks in but want to know what I'm facing.

Usually after 13 weeks they start expecting you to consider work that pays about 80% of your previous wage instead of 100%. But childcare conflicts are always a valid reason regardless of timing.

This is why I used claimyr.com when I had questions about suitable work requirements. Way easier than trying to get through to Washington ESD on the phone to ask about specific situations.

That makes me feel better. Did Washington ESD ever ask you about it during your weekly claims?

Nope, never came up. But I always made sure to note it in my job search log with detailed reasons why each position wasn't suitable.

No, that's a common misconception. You can refuse work that isn't suitable - it's about whether the job meets certain criteria, not just any job offer.

Oh wow I had no idea. I've been terrified to even apply for jobs I didn't want because I thought I'd HAVE to take them if offered.

You should still apply broadly though - the job search requirement is separate from the suitable work rule. But yeah, you don't have to accept everything.

That's what I'm worried about. Like what kind of proof do they want? A letter from the daycare?

Documentation of your childcare arrangements and costs can help. Daycare schedules, costs, availability - anything showing the job wouldn't work with your situation.

That's exactly my situation! Between gas, parking, and increased childcare costs, I'd be losing money working there.

Yeah, make sure to calculate all those hidden costs. Washington ESD does consider the full financial impact when determining if work is suitable.

This happened to me too but I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to ask about it. Finally used that service someone mentioned here - claimyr.com - and got connected to an actual agent who confirmed I could refuse the job.

Where exactly do I report that in the weekly claim? I don't remember seeing a specific section for job offers.

There's usually a question about whether you refused any work during the week. If you answer yes, it gives you space to explain why.

The basic factors are: wage level compared to previous work, commute distance, match with your skills/experience, working conditions, and personal circumstances like childcare.

ok that helps. So it's not just about the money then?

Right, it's a combination of factors. A job might pay well but still not be suitable if it requires skills you don't have or creates impossible logistics.

Good for you! Better to wait for something truly suitable than get stuck in a job that doesn't work for your situation.

Smart move. Keep applying and something better will come along that actually makes sense for your life.

Generally yes, especially early in your claim. If you were working full-time before, part-time work might not be considered suitable initially.

That's what I hoped. It's only 20 hours a week and I really need full-time income.

That's reassuring! Mine would require evening hours and my daycare closes at 6pm.

Yeah that's clearly not workable. Document the daycare hours and you should be fine.

Report it in the weekly claim for the week it happened. Don't wait - being upfront is always better than having them find out later.

Got it, thanks. I was worried about reporting it but sounds like it's actually better to be honest.

The job search requirement ensures you're actively looking for work. The suitable work rule ensures you don't have to accept jobs that don't make financial or practical sense.

I guess that makes sense when you put it that way but it still seems backwards to me

I might look into that if I have more questions. It's so hard to get through to Washington ESD directly.

Yeah that's exactly why I used it. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way less stressful than calling the regular number.

Thank you! It really is. Trying to balance job searching with parenting is exhausting.

It can happen but it's not super common unless there are red flags or patterns of refusing multiple suitable jobs.

OK good to know. I've only turned down one job so far but was paranoid they'd investigate.

They're more likely to investigate if you refuse several jobs or if the reasons seem questionable. One refusal with valid reasons usually doesn't trigger anything.

Mine would be about 30% less than my previous salary. Sounds like that's significant enough to justify turning it down.

Yeah, 30% is a pretty big cut, especially this early in your claim period.

Education and experience are factors, but it depends on how long you've been unemployed. Early on, yes, they consider whether the job matches your qualifications.

That makes sense. I have a bachelor's degree and was worried I'd have to take any minimum wage job immediately.

Thanks, that's good advice. I'm feeling much more confident about my decision now.

Good! Trust your instincts about what works for your situation. The system is supposed to help you find suitable work, not force you into impossible situations.