Did 4-day work trial that wasn't a good fit - can I still claim ESD benefits?

omg this literally happened to me last month!!! def report the earnings on ur weekly claim - u HAVE to do that or its fraud. but u should be fine about the benefits continuing, the trial wasnt a real job offer u accepted and then quit

You absolutely need to report the earnings on your weekly claim. When you do, ESD will ask if you're still working there - select 'no' and then you'll get a dropdown to select the reason. Choose 'other' and explain it was a work trial that didn't result in ongoing employment. This is NOT the same as quitting a permanent position. A work trial or probationary period is considered a separate category. As long as you properly report the earnings and circumstances, your benefits should continue without interruption. Just make sure you're meeting your three job search activities each week. If they do put your claim into adjudication (which sometimes happens automatically), call and explain. The work trial wasn't a good fit, and that's exactly what trial periods are designed to determine.

Everyone here is giving you different information, but let me tell you what ACTUALLY happens with ESD based on my experience. YES you must report the earnings. BUT here's the important part - when you report that you're not working there anymore, your claim WILL likely go into adjudication automatically. The system flags any employment that ends, and then a human has to review it. That adjudication process can take WEEKS where you might not receive benefits. They will eventually backpay you if approved, but that doesn't help with bills now. If you need to reach ESD quickly (and you probably will), check out Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was stuck in adjudication hell for 3 weeks until I found them. Their service got me through to an actual ESD agent in less than 2 hours instead of trying to call for days. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 When you do speak with an agent, explain clearly that it was a TRIAL period, not a permanent job you quit. That's an important distinction for ESD.

@confused_claimant It's different because refusing a SUITABLE job offer can disqualify you, but a work trial isn't considered the same as a formal job offer. Also, if the working conditions are harmful or the hours are vastly different than industry standards (like the 60+ hours OP mentioned), that can make a position "unsuitable" under ESD rules.

I work in HR and can clarify: A work trial is a probationary period specifically designed for both employer and employee to determine fit. If either party determines it's not a good match during this period, this is NOT considered quitting or being fired for unemployment purposes. You MUST report the earnings accurately on your weekly claim. When asked if you're still working there, select no and choose the appropriate reason (usually "other" in this case) and briefly explain it was a work trial that didn't proceed to regular employment. Under Washington ESD rules, leaving during a formal trial/probationary period is not treated the same as quitting established employment. Keep detailed notes about the working conditions (60+ hour expectations, verbal abuse) as these would constitute "unsuitable working conditions" if they request more information. Make sure you continue to complete your three job search activities each week while this is sorted out.

@desperateclaimer Yea its legit i used it too when my claim was stuck in pending for like a month! costs money but was worth it to finally talk to someone

THE ESD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY RIGGED!!! they WANT to find reasons to deny ur claims! i had almost the EXACT same situation but they put me in adjudication for SIX WEEKS and then denied me saying i "voluntarily quit without good cause" even tho it was just a 3 day trial!!! had to appeal and wait ANOTHER 8 weeks before getting a hearing where they finally reversed it. the whole system is designed to wear u down so u give up!!!

@worklessinsea Yes i did get backpay but only AFTER i won my appeal. if ur lucky they'll make the right decision in adjudication and u wont need to appeal. just make sure u document EVERYTHING about that toxic workplace to prove it wasnt suitable employment.

this happened to my friend and she just didn't report the work trial at all and kept getting her benefits no problem 🤷‍♀️

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure you mention these specific things in your explanation: 1. It was explicitly a "work trial" or "evaluation period" 2. The excessive hours requirement (60+ vs standard 40) 3. The hostile work environment (screaming/verbal abuse) These factors clearly establish that this was unsuitable work under RCW 50.20.100, which protects your benefits eligibility. Also be sure to answer any ESD messages promptly as delayed responses can further delay your claim processing.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through something similar - I did a 5-day trial at a marketing firm that turned out to be a nightmare (unpaid overtime expectations, no clear job description, toxic management). I reported the earnings honestly and explained it was a trial period that didn't work out. My claim did go into pending for about 10 days while they reviewed it, but I got approved and received backpay for those pending weeks. The key is being completely honest and thorough in your explanation. Document everything about the working conditions now while it's fresh - the 60+ hour expectation and hostile environment you described would definitely qualify as unsuitable work conditions under Washington state law. Don't let the horror stories scare you too much - most legitimate work trial situations get resolved fairly quickly if you provide clear documentation. Good luck with your upcoming interviews!