ESD weekly claim confusion - how to report 0 hours at ongoing part-time job?
I'm so confused about how to file my weekly claim correctly. I work part-time at a coffee shop and normally report my hours each week when filing for unemployment. But last week my manager didn't schedule me AT ALL (slow season, I guess). When I tried filing my weekly claim today, it asked for an 'end reason' when I put 0 hours, but I'm still employed there! Just wasn't scheduled. None of the options make sense - I didn't quit, wasn't fired, and the job didn't end. Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm worried if I pick the wrong option I'll mess up my claim or get accused of fraud. What should I do?
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Grant Vikers
When this happened to me, I selected 'laid off/lack of work' since technically that's what happened for that specific week. Then in the comments section, I explained that I'm still employed but wasn't scheduled that week. My claim processed fine. The key is to clearly explain your situation in the comments area so ESD understands you're still attached to the employer.
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Amaya Watson
•Thanks! I didn't think about using the comments section. I'm always scared of messing something up and having to deal with an overpayment later.
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Giovanni Martello
just call them and ask!!!!! thats what i did
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Amaya Watson
•I've been trying to call but can't get through. Been on hold forever and then it disconnects me.
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Savannah Weiner
This is actually a common issue with part-time workers. The ESD system isn't designed very well for variable schedules. When you report zero hours for a week but are still employed, you should select "laid off/lack of work" and then use the comments section to explain that you're still employed but weren't scheduled for any hours that week. This is technically correct since the employer didn't have work for you that specific week. Make sure you continue to report this employer on future weekly claims when you do work hours. As long as you explain the situation clearly in the comments and are consistent in your reporting, you shouldn't have any issues with your claim. ESD understands that many people have variable work schedules.
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Levi Parker
•This exactly! I work in retail with a totally random schedule and sometimes get ZERO hours. I always select "laid off/lack of work" and explain I'm still employed but had no scheduled hours. Never had a problem with this approach over 2+ years.
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Libby Hassan
Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an ESD agent directly? I was dealing with a similar situation last month and spent days trying to reach someone. A friend recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and I got through to an actual person in about 20 minutes who resolved my issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Definitely worth it rather than stressing about making a mistake on your claim.
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Amaya Watson
•I've never heard of that service before. I'll check it out if I still can't figure this out. At this point I'm willing to try anything because I really need my benefits to come through on time.
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Hunter Hampton
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO TRIP YOU UP!!!! They WANT you to make mistakes so they can deny benefits or hit you with overpayments later. I had a similar situation and no matter what option I picked it caused problems. ESD needs to FIX their system for people with variable schedules instead of making us jump through hoops!!
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Sofia Peña
•While the system definitely has issues with part-time and variable schedule reporting, I've found that if you document everything carefully and use the comments section appropriately, ESD is generally reasonable about these situations. I've helped several clients navigate similar issues without problems.
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Levi Parker
I literally just dealt with this last month lol. Select "laid off/lack of work" and then explain in the comments that you're still employed but weren't scheduled for any hours that week. Worked fine for me!
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Amaya Watson
•Thank you! Seems like this is the consensus answer. I'm going to try this approach.
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Grant Vikers
UPDATE: I submitted my claim using 'laid off/lack of work' and explained everything in the comments section. My payment was processed normally and I didn't have any issues! Thanks everyone for your help with this. Hopefully this thread helps someone else in the same situation.
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Aaron Boston
•Yay! Glad it worked out for u :
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