Washington ESD historical data - what led to the decline unemployment after 1933?

Thanks! I'll check those sources. Do you know if any of those programs influenced how modern unemployment systems like Washington ESD were designed?

Yes, the Social Security Act of 1935 actually created the framework for state unemployment insurance programs that we still use today.

Sorry, I thought someone here might know about historical unemployment data. I'm also dealing with my own claim issues so I'm active on this forum anyway.

Actually it's interesting to understand how the system evolved. The unemployment insurance program has roots in that era.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for days about my adjudication.

It basically helps you get through the phone system more efficiently. Really helped when I needed to check on my claim status.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service before. Does it actually work with Washington ESD specifically?

That's really helpful context! So it was a combination of government programs AND external factors like the war?

Exactly. The New Deal programs helped stabilize things, but full employment came with wartime production demands.

Wow, so people just had no safety net before 1935? That must have made the Depression even worse.

Right, which is why unemployment hit 25% nationally. The lack of any systematic support made recovery much slower initially.

It's crazy to think about filing weekly claims and job search requirements when there literally weren't jobs available back then.

That's exactly the kind of firsthand account that would be great for my project! Did he ever talk about how things changed as the economy recovered?

he said things slowly got better around 1936-1937 but then there was another dip before the war jobs started

Great suggestion! I'll contact their research librarians to see what they have available.

The Washington State Library in Olympia might also have historical employment statistics and reports from that era.

How long did it take them to connect you with Washington ESD? I'm getting desperate here.

Way faster than trying to call myself. The regular Washington ESD number was just hanging up on me after hours of waiting.

This is super helpful! So it was a gradual process rather than one single policy that fixed everything?

Exactly. And some programs worked better than others. The unemployment insurance system was one of the lasting successes.

It's interesting how some of those programs still influence how Washington ESD operates today with job search requirements and benefit eligibility.

I am doing research, this was just one avenue I was exploring. And like I mentioned, I'm also dealing with my own unemployment issues.

Nothing wrong with asking questions here. Some of us actually know about this stuff and don't mind sharing.

Perfect! I'll add those to my research list. Local data would definitely make my project more specific to Washington state.

The Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma has some great collections from that period including employment records.

Seems like a lot of people here have used that service. Is it specifically designed for Washington ESD or does it work with other states too?

I think it works with different state unemployment agencies, but I only used it for Washington ESD so I can't say about others.

Good point! I hadn't thought much about how labor organizing contributed to the recovery. That adds another dimension to my research.

Yeah, it wasn't just government programs - workers organizing for better conditions and pay also helped drive economic recovery.

I keep seeing people mention this service. Does it cost anything to use?

there's a cost but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at washington esd instead of getting hung up on constantly

Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort things out. The automated system can only do so much.

Thanks for the tip! My school should have access to JSTOR through the library. That'll give me more credible sources than just asking on forums.

Look specifically for articles about the Public Works Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps - those had the biggest impact on unemployment numbers.

Right? It's amazing how far the system has come. Though from reading this forum, it sounds like there are still plenty of challenges with the current system.

The technology has definitely improved but the basic concept of unemployment insurance providing temporary support while people look for work is the same as it was in 1935.

Thank you! The research suggestions here have been really helpful, and I did finally get my claim processed after weeks of trying to reach Washington ESD.

glad to hear it worked out! the washington esd system can be frustrating but usually gets resolved eventually