Required WorkSource Zoom meetings for unemployment at age 64 - everyone or just me?

This is standard procedure now for ALL unemployment recipients in WA state. Part of the 2024 WorkSource Integration Initiative requires these one-on-one sessions after 6-8 weeks of claiming benefits. It's not age discrimination - my daughter (26) had to do the same meetings last month. They're trying to reduce long-term unemployment claims by providing more personalized services. Just attend the meetings, follow their suggestions for your job search log, and you'll be fine. They usually back off after 2-3 sessions if you're clearly making an effort.

yep got the same thing at week 7!! im 32 so def not age related. the zoom mtg was actually kind of helpful they connected me w/ some training programs i didnt know about. dude who did mine was pretty chill, not all judgy like i expected

I HATE these required WorkSource meetings with a burning passion!!! They scheduled me during work hours at my new part-time job and refused to reschedule. When I missed it, ESD flagged my account and put a hold on my benefits for THREE WEEKS while they "investigated" my "failure to participate in required reemployment services" 🤬 Had to call 47 TIMES to get anyone on the phone to fix it. What a nightmare. Be warned - do NOT miss these meetings no matter what!!

I'm actually a career counselor at WorkSource (not speaking officially). The Zoom meetings are standard for everyone after about 6-8 weeks. For people nearing retirement, we're actually supposed to discuss options like part-time work or bridge employment strategies. Be upfront about your retirement timeline - that's completely valid and we can tailor the action plan accordingly. Just don't say you're not looking for work at all, as that would disqualify you from benefits.

Just went through this last month. I'm 59, so slightly younger but also close to retirement age. You should know the zoom meetings are mandatory, and if you skip them or reschedule too many times, they can cut off your benefits for "failure to participate in reemployment services." I had a terrible time getting through to ESD on the phone to reschedule when I had a doctor's appointment conflict. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to ESD - they have a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth it just to not deal with the constant busy signals and disconnects.

To respond to the question about Claimyr - yes, it worked for me after trying for days to reach someone. They don't guarantee immediate connection, but they handle the frustrating part of waiting on hold and navigate the phone tree for you. When I used it, I got a call back in about 2 hours with an ESD agent on the line. Way better than my previous attempts!

They made me do these meetings too and I'm only 41. It's just their new process for everyone. The first meeting is kind of awkward but then they get more helpful. IMPORTANT TIP: During my first meeting, they told me my job search activities weren't specific enough. Make sure you have very detailed descriptions of your job search activities - include company names, position titles, contact methods, follow-ups, etc. They're getting stricter about the quality of job search logs now.

btw my zoom meeting was only like 30 mins... wasnt a big deal. they just asked about my job search and gave some suggestions. don't stress too much!!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing this is standard procedure and not age-related targeting. I'll make sure to be prepared with detailed job search records and be upfront about my retirement timeline while showing I'm still actively looking. Really appreciate all the tips - this community is so helpful!