How to file a weekly unemployment claim through Washington ESD system?

Thanks! So I can file anytime between Sunday and Saturday? I was worried I had to do it exactly on Sunday.

Exactly! Just don't wait until the last minute on Saturday in case there are technical issues with the website.

What counts as a job search activity? I've been applying online but also updating my LinkedIn - does that count?

Yes, updating your LinkedIn profile counts as a job search activity. So does attending workshops, reaching out to contacts, or researching companies.

Is this legit? I'm so desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my weekly claims that got messed up.

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than trying to call at 8am and getting busy signals for hours.

What happens if I just forgot to file one week? Will they deny my whole claim?

No, they won't deny your whole claim, but you won't get paid for that week unless you can show good cause for missing it. Just file the next week and explain what happened.

What does 'able and available' actually mean? I had a doctor's appointment one day - does that make me unavailable?

A doctor's appointment for a few hours doesn't make you unavailable for the whole week. You're still able and available for work in general.

How do they audit you? Do they just randomly pick people?

I think it's random but they asked for 3 months of job search records. Had to provide proof of every single activity I claimed.

How do they calculate the reduction? Is it dollar for dollar?

No, they have a formula. Generally you can earn up to about $300 before it starts reducing your benefits significantly, but it depends on your benefit amount.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - same situation, couldn't get through for weeks. They made it so much easier.

I might have to try that. I'm losing money every week this doesn't get resolved.

Good to know! I was planning to just file whenever I remembered during the week.

Yeah, I learned that the hard way when the system was down on a Friday and I almost missed the deadline.

Volunteer work can count as a job search activity if it's helping you develop skills or network in your field. Just make sure you're still doing other job search activities too.

Thanks! I've been counting it as one of my three weekly activities along with applications and networking.

How do I know what Washington ESD considers 'suitable work' for me? Can I turn down jobs that pay way less than my previous job?

Generally, after a few weeks you have to consider jobs that pay at least 70% of your previous wage. But there are exceptions for specialized skills or if the job is too far away.

Is this the same as the WorkSourceWA requirement? I'm confused about what's required vs. what's recommended.

The job search log is just for your own records. WorkSourceWA registration is a separate requirement for most people on unemployment.

How did they get caught? Do they really check everyone's job search activities?

They do random audits and employer verification. They called the companies my friend claimed to have applied to and found out he was lying.

That's good to know. I've had the website freeze up on me a few times while trying to file.

Yeah, the technical issues are really common. At least with Claimyr you can get through to someone who can actually help instead of being stuck with error messages.

If you're on official standby status, you don't need to do job search activities. But make sure Washington ESD has properly coded your claim as standby, not regular UI.

Thanks! I need to double-check my claim status then because I've been doing job searches just in case.

That sounds much simpler than I was expecting. I was worried it would be complicated like the initial application.

The weekly claims are definitely easier than the initial application. Just be honest and consistent with your answers.

Good luck getting through to them on the phone! I've been trying for weeks.

Yeah, the phone situation is terrible. That's why services like Claimyr exist - because Washington ESD is so hard to reach directly.

What if I do a small freelance project that doesn't pay until the next month? Do I report it when I do the work or when I get paid?

Report it for the week you did the work, not when you got paid. Washington ESD wants to know about work performed during each week.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my first weekly claim now.

You're welcome! The Washington ESD system can be confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it. Good luck with your job search!

How often should I check? And what kind of holds are common?

I check mine every few days. Common holds include identity verification, work search issues, or if they need additional information about your separation from your last job.