Lower-paying job offer - do I have to accept it to keep ESD benefits?

This is a common question, and the answer depends on how long you've been receiving benefits. ESD uses a "tiered suitable work" approach. During the first 10 weeks of unemployment, you're generally not required to accept work that pays less than 90% of your previous wage. After 10 weeks, that drops to 80%, and after 20 weeks, it drops to 70%. Since you've been unemployed for 3 months (about 12-13 weeks), you'd likely fall into that second tier. A job offering only 45% of your previous wage could reasonably be considered not suitable work at this point. If you decline the offer, document exactly why (the significant pay reduction and increased workdays). Report the refusal on your weekly claim and be prepared to explain during adjudication why it wasn't suitable. Keep detailed records of the offer - date, company, position, pay rate, hours, etc.

BE CAREFUL!!! I turned down a job offer last year cuz it was way less than i was making before and ESD cut off my benefits for 8 WEEKS!!! They said I refused "suitable work" and put my account into adjudication. I appealed but still lost. It took FOREVER to get things sorted out and I nearly got evicted while waiting!!

The previous responses are partially correct, but let me clarify exactly how this works according to ESD guidelines: 1. During the first 10 weeks of your claim, suitable work is considered 90% or more of your previous wages 2. Weeks 11-20, suitable work is 80% or more of your previous wages 3. After 20 weeks, suitable work is 70% or more of your previous wages At 45% of your previous wage, you have valid grounds to refuse this offer at your current stage (12 weeks). However, you MUST report the job offer and your refusal on your weekly claim. Be specific about the wage differential and the increased work days. The key is how you document and report this. Don't just decline and say nothing - this will likely trigger a disqualification. Instead, be proactive: 1. Get the job offer in writing if possible 2. Calculate the exact percentage difference in wages 3. Note the change in work schedule (5 days to 6 days) 4. Report the refusal with these specific details 5. Continue your job search activities and document them thoroughly If ESD questions your refusal, you'll need to request an adjudication interview to explain your situation.

ive been on unemployment 4 times in my life and the rules change all the time lol. my brother in law just went thru something like this last month and ended up taking the job cuz his benefits were about to run out anyway. but ya know what, he found a better job 3 weeks later! sometimes u just gotta do what u gotta do

When I had issues with my claim last year and needed to speak with an ESD agent about a similar situation, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent right away instead of waiting for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It really helped me get specific answers about my situation rather than guessing about the rules. In your case, I'd suggest speaking directly with an ESD representative to get official guidance on your specific situation before you make a decision. The rules have nuances that might apply to your particular circumstances.

Have you calculated what your actual take-home would be with this new job versus staying on unemployment? Factor in extra transportation costs for the 6th day, potential childcare issues, etc. Sometimes the numbers aren't what they first appear when you do the full calculation.

One additional point that hasn't been mentioned: If you're receiving UI benefits, you're required to be actively seeking suitable work. Make sure you're documenting ALL your job search activities thoroughly each week (minimum 3 per week). This becomes especially important if you're declining an offer. ESD will want to see that you're making genuine efforts to find work that is suitable for your skills and wage history.

ppl forget that state law says a job has to be "suitable" not just any random job!! my case worker told me its not just about wages its also about hours and distance and if it matches ur skills. dont let them bully u into taking something way below ur worth!

Based on everything in this thread, I think your best approach is to: 1. Document the offer completely 2. Report it accurately on your weekly claim 3. Be prepared to explain specifically why it doesn't meet the 80% threshold at your current stage 4. Try to speak directly with an ESD representative for clarity (using Claimyr or other means to get through) 5. Continue your job search efforts at the same or increased intensity The system is designed to help people find suitable employment, not force them into jobs that represent a major regression in their career or financial stability. Just make sure you follow all the proper procedures so your benefits remain protected.