Teacher laid off - will refusing 1-year temporary contract disqualify my ESD benefits?

i think you have to take it. my cousin got cut off when she turned down a job offer that was 'similar' to her previous work even tho it paid less. esd is pretty strict about that stuff

This is actually a nuanced situation. Under ESD regulations, you're required to accept 'suitable work,' but there are specific factors they consider when determining suitability. The temporary nature of the position versus your previous permanent contract is definitely relevant, as is the 15% pay reduction. You should look at WAC 192-170-050 which outlines suitable work factors. In your profession, the shift from continuing contract to temporary is significant. I'd recommend documenting your concerns in writing before making a decision - specifically noting the lack of job security, reduced compensation, and potential future unemployment issues. If you do refuse the offer, be prepared to clearly articulate these differences during your weekly claim. But know that it's still somewhat subjective and could result in a determination interview.

I went through something similar in 2023 (healthcare field, not teaching). I was laid off from a permanent position and offered a 3-month contract. ESD initially denied my benefits when I turned down the temp position, but I appealed and won because: 1. The temporary nature was significantly different from my previous permanent role 2. The pay was more than 10% lower 3. I documented everything about why it wasn't suitable Definitely report the offer on your weekly claim - be 100% transparent. If they determine you're ineligible, you can appeal. The hearing process was actually fair in my experience, but getting through to ESD to discuss my case beforehand was IMPOSSIBLE - took me weeks of calling.

have you considered just taking the temp job? might be better than nothing and you could still look for permanent jobs while working. unemployment runs out eventually anyway

When I was trying to reach ESD about a similar suitable work question last month, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 30 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with explained that teachers have some specific considerations because of how academic contracts work. Getting a definitive answer from ESD directly before making your decision would be really helpful since these situations can be case-by-case.

One additional thing to consider: if you do decide to turn down the temporary position, make sure you continue performing and documenting your three job search activities each week. Sometimes people focus so much on the 'refusing work' issue that they neglect the ongoing job search requirements and get disqualified for that reason instead.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST TEACHERS!!! My wife went through this exact thing in 2022 and ESD denied her no matter what evidence we provided. They expect highly educated professionals to just take ANY job offer even when it means starting over each year. Meanwhile the district that laid her off posted her EXACT position again 6 months later but wouldn't rehire her! KEEP FIGHTING!