How to maintain unemployment benefits without losing Washington ESD eligibility?

How detailed do the job search records need to be? I've been writing down company names and dates but wasn't sure if I need more info.

Include company name, position applied for, date, and method of contact. Some people also note the job posting source. Better to have too much detail than not enough if they audit your search activities.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I'm in IT but there aren't many tech jobs in my area. Do I have to apply for retail jobs too?

Generally suitable work is in your field or pays at least 75% of your previous wage for the first few months. After that the requirements may broaden, but you don't have to take just any minimum wage job right away.

How much can you earn before you lose benefits completely? I might have a chance at some freelance work.

It depends on your weekly benefit amount. You can usually earn up to your weekly benefit amount and still get some partial payment. Anything over that and you get zero for that week.

Just be super careful about reporting freelance income correctly. I got confused about when to report it and ended up with an overpayment notice.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

From what I understand, they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. I used it through claimyr.com when I had an adjudication issue and it saved me like 3 hours of phone time.

I've heard of Claimyr too. My brother used it when his claim got stuck in adjudication. Worth trying if you're having trouble reaching ESD directly.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be straightforward, right?

Yes, layoffs are usually the most straightforward for maintaining eligibility. Just make sure your former employer doesn't contest the claim or report it differently to Washington ESD.

Do online courses count? I've been taking some certification classes on Coursera.

Depends on the program. It has to be approved by WorkSource usually. Check with your local WorkSource office to see if your courses qualify.

Good to know! I'll look into that since I was thinking about doing some professional development anyway.

Yeah but those notices can be confusing AF. I got one about 'pending adjudication' and had no idea what it meant.

True, their language is pretty bureaucratic. When in doubt, call them or check online to clarify what any notice means.

I'm not planning to move but good to know! What happens if you do move?

You might be able to continue your Washington claim but you have to register with the workforce agency in your new state. It's called interstate benefits or something like that.

How do I check how many weeks I have left?

It should show on your online account when you log in to file your weekly claim. You can also call Washington ESD to ask.

That's reassuring. I was worried that one small mistake would ruin everything.

Nah, genuine mistakes usually just get corrected. It's intentional fraud they really go after.

Multiple people have mentioned this service now. Might be worth bookmarking in case I run into issues.

I was skeptical at first but honestly anything that helps you avoid spending all day on hold with ESD is worth it.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about maintaining my benefits now.

Good luck! And remember if you do run into problems, there are resources and services like Claimyr to help you get them resolved quickly.