Is low unemployment good for Washington ESD claims - harder to get approved?

That's reassuring, thanks. I was worried they'd fast-track denying claims or something.

Yeah the eligibility rules are the same regardless of unemployment rates. They can't just change them based on the economy.

This is partially true but you still get the full benefit period if you're eligible. They can't cut you off early just because there are jobs posted.

Wait so do I need to apply to more jobs per week when unemployment is low? I'm doing the required 3 job contacts.

OMG same here! I've been trying to reach them about my adjudication for weeks. The whole system is broken.

Have you tried using that Claimyr service? I found it on claimyr.com and they actually help you get through to Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than spending all day redialing.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Anything has to be better than this endless calling.

Right, and even in low unemployment periods there are still legitimate layoffs and business closures that qualify people for benefits.

That makes sense. I guess I was overthinking it because I'm stressed about money.

Exactly, though they might be more strict about the job search requirements if there are lots of openings in your field.

My field is pretty common (warehouse work) so yeah there are definitely jobs available. I'll make sure to document my job search activities carefully.

Washington ESD benefits are funded through employer taxes, not general tax revenue, so political pressure is less of a factor. The program is designed to help people between jobs regardless of the overall unemployment rate.

Oh I didn't know that about the funding. That's actually pretty smart.

Yeah that's a good point. I should probably be more optimistic about finding something quickly.

Just remember that even in a good job market, you're still entitled to take reasonable time to find appropriate work in your field at comparable wages.

Yeah the processing times are brutal. That's why I'm looking into that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

let me know how that works out. getting through to them is impossible otherwise

That's an interesting thought but I think their staffing is more based on claim volume than unemployment rates. During the pandemic they had to hire tons of temporary staff.

True, claim volume would be the better metric for staffing decisions.

Thanks for the professional perspective. It's good to know the system is consistent.

Exactly, the unemployment insurance system is designed to be counter-cyclical - it provides support when people need it regardless of broader economic conditions.

So true. I finally broke down and tried that Claimyr service and it actually worked. Got through to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling for weeks.

Really? That's amazing. I might have to try that for my adjudication issue.

Good point. I don't want to rush into something that's a bad fit just because I'm worried about my claim.

Washington ESD recognizes that you should look for 'suitable work' which considers your skills, experience, and previous wages. You don't have to take just any job.

Employer contests are based on the circumstances of separation, not the job market. If you were laid off legitimately, the unemployment rate shouldn't affect their decision to contest.

My employer didn't contest my claim, they confirmed it was a layoff due to reduced business.

Yeah but don't they also consider if you're making adequate job search efforts? That could be affected by how many jobs are available.

The job search requirement is the same - 3 job contacts per week. Having more available jobs might make it easier to meet that requirement but doesn't change the number.

Ha, that's probably true. Government agencies aren't exactly known for being responsive to economic conditions.

yeah they're consistently slow no matter what's happening in the economy

Right, I knew that part. I was more worried about approval/denial decisions.

Approval decisions are based on eligibility criteria, not economic conditions. You're overthinking this.

I wish that were true but processing times still seem pretty long from what I've experienced.

Yeah, I think they're just understaffed in general. That's why services like Claimyr exist to help people actually reach agents.

You're right, I should focus on what I can control. Thanks for the reality check.

Exactly. Keep filing your weekly claims, do your job search activities, and respond to any requests for information promptly.

That makes logical sense but Washington ESD is funded to handle whatever claim volume comes in, so I don't think they have preferences about unemployment rates per se.

Interesting perspective. I guess they're just trying to administer the program fairly regardless of economic conditions.

Perfect summary. I feel much better about my situation now. Thanks everyone for the helpful responses!

Glad we could help clarify things. Good luck with your job search and your claim!