Is cash assistance the same as unemployment benefits in Washington?

Oh wow, thank you for clarifying that! So I should stick with my unemployment claim then since I'm actively job searching?

Yes, definitely stick with unemployment if you're eligible and actively looking for work. That's exactly what UI is designed for.

That makes sense. I don't have kids so I probably wouldn't qualify for cash assistance anyway.

Even if you have kids, you'd need to meet pretty strict income limits for TANF. UI is usually better if you qualify.

Good to know I'm on the right track then. Were you able to get through to Washington ESD easily when you had questions?

That's always been the hardest part - getting through to anyone at Washington ESD when you need help. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

You might be able to get both if you meet the income requirements for TANF, but you'd need to apply through DSHS for cash assistance. The unemployment income would count toward your total income when they determine TANF eligibility.

ok thanks ill look into that. do you know if food stamps are different too?

Yes, food stamps (SNAP) are another separate program, also through DSHS. You can potentially get unemployment, TANF, and SNAP all at the same time if you qualify for each.

Exactly. And UI has a time limit based on your work history, while TANF has different time limits and work requirements.

Right, and UI payments are usually higher because they're based on your previous wages, while TANF payments are set amounts based on family size.

Yeah, UI benefits are typically much higher than TANF payments. You're definitely better off with unemployment if you qualify.

Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims on time and doing your job search activities. Don't want to lose that UI eligibility!

That's a good point - I never thought about it that way. So I actually earned these benefits through my previous work?

Exactly! UI is insurance that you paid premiums for through payroll deductions. TANF is welfare assistance based on need.

That's why there's less stigma around unemployment benefits - you literally paid for that insurance coverage.

Is that the same service someone mentioned earlier? How does it work exactly?

Yeah, same one. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you directly to an ESD agent when one becomes available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Yeah, the weekly claims aren't too bad. I was worried about messing them up at first but they're pretty clear about what information they need.

Same here. The job search log part stressed me out initially but now it's just routine.

Good to know. I'm hoping to find a new job soon so I won't need to worry about other programs, but it's good to know they exist.

The job market is tough right now. Don't feel bad if you need to look into other assistance programs - that's what they're there for.

Thanks for the encouragement. This community has been really helpful!

Did you ever have any issues with your unemployment claim? Mine has been pretty smooth so far.

Had one issue where my claim went into adjudication for a few weeks, but it eventually got resolved. Just had to be patient and keep filing my weekly claims.

That's a really clear way to explain the difference. Thanks!

And don't forget that with unemployment you have to actively search for work and report your job search activities each week.

Yeah, I remember the Washington ESD application process was pretty detailed but not too complicated.

The DSHS applications tend to be more involved because they need to verify a lot more information about your household situation.

That makes sense - if unemployment is providing enough income, you probably wouldn't qualify for need-based assistance.

Exactly. But she was able to get help with food stamps and childcare assistance through other DSHS programs.

I might need to bookmark that for future reference. Hopefully I won't need to call Washington ESD much, but it's good to know there's a better way than sitting on hold.

Same here. I spent 6 hours trying to get through to ESD one day and got nowhere. Wish I'd known about services like that earlier.

That's what I'm going to do. Thanks to everyone who helped clear this up for me!

Good luck with your job search! Hope you find something soon.

Thanks! I have a couple interviews lined up next week so hopefully things will work out.