Washington ESD claim - what is friction unemployment and how does it affect my benefits?

Friction unemployment is an economics term, not something Washington ESD uses in their system. It refers to the temporary period when people are between jobs - like when you're transitioning from one position to another. It's considered normal and healthy for the economy because it means people are moving to better opportunities.

The person at the job center was probably explaining why unemployment exists in general. Friction unemployment is one of the three main types economists talk about - the others being structural and cyclical. For Washington ESD purposes, you're just filing regular unemployment insurance (UI) claims regardless of which economic category you fall into.

I had a similar confusion when I first started collecting. The job center counselors sometimes use academic terms that don't translate to the actual Washington ESD system. When I needed to actually get through to an agent about my claim status, I used Claimyr.com - they have a service that helps you connect with Washington ESD representatives without waiting on hold for hours. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

lol friction unemployment sounds like when the phone system creates friction getting through to Washington ESD 😂

Just to clarify for anyone else reading - Washington ESD doesn't categorize claims by friction/structural/cyclical unemployment. They care about whether you're able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and meeting the job search requirements. The economic theory behind why unemployment exists doesn't factor into your eligibility.

I think the job center person was probably trying to make you feel better about being unemployed. Friction unemployment is the 'good' kind because it means you're actively looking for better opportunities rather than being stuck without options.

Been collecting UI for 8 weeks now and never heard this term used by Washington ESD. Sounds academic to me.

For what it's worth, if you're in tech and taking time to find the right position, that's textbook friction unemployment. It's actually a sign of a healthy job market when people can afford to be selective about their next role.

Wait, can being too picky about jobs affect your Washington ESD benefits? I thought as long as you're applying to jobs you have to accept any offer?

The whole friction unemployment thing is just economics 101. What matters for your benefits is staying compliant with Washington ESD requirements - filing weekly, job searching, being available for work.

I had to call Washington ESD last month about my claim and couldn't get through for days. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier - worked like a charm. Sometimes you need to reach an actual person to get answers instead of guessing about terminology.

friction unemployment is when you cant get through to washington esd on the phone 😤

Just to wrap this up - friction unemployment is a normal part of a functioning economy and doesn't affect your Washington ESD benefits in any way. Focus on meeting your weekly claim requirements and job search obligations, and don't worry about which economic category you fall into.

The job center people mean well but sometimes they use terminology that doesn't match what Washington ESD actually uses in their system. I learned this the hard way when I was trying to figure out my claim status.

Been through this before - the economics terms don't matter for your benefits. Just make sure you're meeting the able and available requirements and documenting your job search properly.

Friction unemployment basically means you're between jobs by choice, not because of economic conditions. It's the most common type and nothing to worry about for Washington ESD purposes.

The term doesn't appear anywhere in Washington ESD documentation because it's just academic classification. Your claim type and eligibility requirements are what actually matter.

Quick update - I mentioned Claimyr earlier and just wanted to add that it's been super helpful when I've needed to actually speak with someone at Washington ESD about claim issues. Much better than the endless hold times on the regular number.

Bottom line: friction unemployment is just economics jargon. Washington ESD doesn't use this terminology in their system. Keep filing your weekly claims and meeting job search requirements - that's all that matters for your benefits.

This was a helpful thread! I had never heard the term friction unemployment before either. Good to know it's not something I need to worry about for my Washington ESD claim.