Washington ESD seasonal unemployment benefits - tourism and agriculture workers common?

Thanks! So I do need to apply for other jobs even though I know I'll be going back to the resort in May?

Correct, you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and log them in your WorkSourceWA account. The state doesn't exempt seasonal workers from job search requirements.

Good to know I'm not alone! Do they ever question why you're not taking permanent jobs when you find them?

As long as you're genuinely available and able to work, you're fine. I've taken some temp jobs during slow periods and it actually helps your claim.

What if you work for multiple seasonal employers? Like tourism in summer and ski resort in winter?

That actually works in your favor because it shows year-round attachment to the workforce. Washington ESD will combine wages from all your employers in your base period.

How much does that service cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim.

It's worth it when you really need to talk to someone. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

Never heard of this but might try it. Been calling Washington ESD every morning for two weeks about my adjudication.

That makes me feel better about filing. Wasn't sure if seasonal workers were viewed differently.

nah you're good, state expects it. just make sure you do your weekly claims on time

How do I know if I qualify for standby? My resort usually rehires the same people but it's not 100% guaranteed.

You need a specific recall date from your employer and they have to file paperwork with Washington ESD. If it's just 'probably rehired' then you'd be on regular UI with job search requirements.

I was on standby status last year for my logging job. Way easier than regular unemployment because no job search needed, but the recall has to be within 12 weeks or something like that.

Don't forget construction and landscaping! Weather-dependent work creates tons of seasonal claims too.

True! Basically any industry that depends on weather or tourist seasons will have seasonal unemployment patterns.

What about if I do some freelance work during the winter? Do I need to report that too?

Yes, report ALL income. Even $50 from odd jobs needs to be reported on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit but you won't get in trouble for working.

Yes, there are special provisions for agricultural workers because the work is so seasonal and weather-dependent. Makes the system more fair for farm workers.

Right? I was worried they'd think I was just being lazy not working year-round.

Nah, they get it. The state's economy depends on seasonal industries so they have to make the unemployment system work for seasonal workers.

I hear you but at least we have benefits available. Better than some states that make it super hard for seasonal workers.

True, Washington is better than most states for seasonal workers. Still frustrating dealing with all the paperwork and job search requirements though.

You need to meet the monetary eligibility requirements based on wages earned in your base period. 3 months might be enough if you worked enough hours and earned enough wages.

Thanks! I made about $8,000 during those 3 months so hopefully that's enough.

That's nice that your company does that! My resort hasn't mentioned anything about standby status.

A lot of employers don't know about it or don't want the extra paperwork. But it's good for both sides when there's a definite recall date.

That's exactly what I needed to know! Might give Claimyr a try for my adjudication issue.

Thanks for the update. Good to know Washington ESD understands the seasonal worker situation better than I thought.

Makes sense. Glad to know I'm part of a normal pattern and not some edge case.

Good advice! I filed right away but haven't been super organized about tracking my job searches.

The WorkSourceWA website has a job search log feature that makes it easier to track everything. Way better than trying to remember later.

That's not quite right. Taking temporary work during your claim period is fine and encouraged. It won't hurt your seasonal pattern as long as you report the income properly.

Thanks for the correction! I was confused about how temporary work affects seasonal claims.

Same here! Really glad I asked this question because I was worried I was doing something wrong.

That's what these forums are for - helping each other navigate the unemployment system. Seasonal work is definitely common and legitimate.

Perfect summary! This thread answered all my questions about seasonal unemployment benefits.

Bookmarking this thread for next year when I file my seasonal claim. Great information from everyone.