How to keep getting unemployment benefits without losing Washington ESD eligibility?

Thanks! How detailed do the job search records need to be? Do I need to save emails or just write down company names?

Keep company name, position, date applied, and method of contact. Screenshots of online applications are good backup but not required unless audited.

What if I have a doctor appointment during work hours? Do I need to report that?

No, routine appointments are fine. They mean like if you're hospitalized for a week or go out of state for vacation.

That's reassuring. I'm probably overthinking this but I really can't afford to lose these payments right now.

I had to contact Washington ESD about a question last month and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Finally used claimyr.com and got connected to an agent the same day. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

What counts as a valid job search? Can I apply to remote jobs or do they have to be local?

Remote jobs count as long as you can actually do the work. Can't apply for jobs requiring skills you don't have just to meet the requirement.

I've been applying to anything just to hit my 3 per week... should I not be doing that?

Oh no! Even for just one day of work? How did they find out?

yeah even one day. they cross check with employers or something. wasnt worth the risk

This is why honesty is so important. Even if you only make $50 that week, report it. They'll just reduce your benefit amount, not cut you off completely.

That's smart! Do you think Washington ESD actually audits people regularly or is it random?

From what I've heard it's mostly random or if something looks suspicious in your claim. Better safe than sorry though.

Is there any way to file early or do you have to wait until Sunday?

You can file starting Sunday morning for the previous week. I usually do mine Sunday night so I don't forget.

What were you doing wrong? I want to make sure I'm not making the same mistakes.

I was answering "yes" to looking for work but not actually doing job searches because I thought looking meant just browsing job sites. Didn't realize you had to actually apply.

I registered when I first applied but haven't heard from them since. Should I be checking in with WorkSource regularly?

Not regularly, but if they send you something you have to respond or it can affect your benefits. Check your WorkSource account occasionally.

How does that work? Do they just help you get through or do they handle the call for you?

They get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent and then you handle the call yourself. Really helpful when you have specific questions about keeping your benefits.

A whole year? How many extensions were you able to get?

Depends on the unemployment rate in your area and if there are federal extensions available. Right now I think most people get 26 weeks but it can vary.

Good point! I moved recently and forgot to update that. Thanks for the reminder.

That's a great way to think about it. How much time do you spend on job searching each week?

Maybe 3-4 hours total? I do one application every other day so it's not all crammed into one day. Easier to find quality jobs that way too.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I think I am overthinking this whole thing.

The anxiety is normal when you're depending on these payments. I used Claimyr to call and ask about some of the rules I wasn't sure about. Having that direct confirmation from an agent really helped my peace of mind.

How long should I keep these records? Until my claim ends or longer?

I'd keep them for at least a year after your claim ends, just in case they audit or have questions later.

You're right, I'm probably making it more complicated than it needs to be. Thanks everyone for all the advice!