Washington ESD unemployment benefits while taking time to find a job - am I eligible?

Good to know about the 3 jobs per week requirement. Do they check if you're actually serious about the applications or just that you submitted them?

They can audit your job search activities, so make sure you're applying to positions you're actually qualified for. Being too picky can get you disqualified.

That 70% rule is helpful to know. My last job paid pretty well so even 70% would be decent. Thanks for the specific percentage.

Wait, is it really 70%? I thought it was lower than that. I've been worried about having to take minimum wage jobs.

Yes, it's generally 70% of your previous wage for the first 13 weeks of benefits. After that, the standards can change.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit? I've been dreading trying to call Washington ESD based on everything I've heard.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They basically automate the calling process and get you connected to Washington ESD agents. Saved me hours of frustration.

I'm skeptical of services like this. Shouldn't we be able to reach our own unemployment office without paying someone else?

Good reminder. I haven't even filed my initial claim yet. Should I wait until I've been unemployed for a certain amount of time?

No, file as soon as possible! There's usually a one-week waiting period anyway, so the sooner you file, the sooner benefits can start.

That's reassuring. I was worried they'd expect me to take anything that was offered.

It really depends on how you document it. If you can show the job was unsuitable (too far below your skill level, unreasonable commute, etc.) you should be fine.

They typically give you a chance to provide missing information before denying a claim. Just keep detailed records of everything you do.

If you have questions about your specific situation, that's another good reason to use something like Claimyr to actually talk to a Washington ESD rep. Much better than guessing.

That makes sense. I have a pretty specialized background so hopefully there's some flexibility there.

How do they determine what's 'suitable' though? Is there a specific list or is it subjective?

It's somewhat subjective but based on factors like your education, work history, local job market, and how long you've been unemployed. The standards can relax over time.

I get the frustration but the requirements exist for a reason. Unemployment benefits are meant to be temporary support while you find new work.

Sure, but the bureaucracy makes it harder than it needs to be. Some of us are actually trying to find careers, not just any job.

Wait, I wasn't laid off voluntarily. My position was eliminated due to budget cuts. Does that make a difference?

Oh yes, that's involuntary unemployment through no fault of your own. You should definitely be eligible for benefits while you search for new work.

A spreadsheet is a great idea. Did Washington ESD ever audit your job search activities?

They randomly selected me for a job search review around week 8. Having detailed records made it easy to provide what they needed.

That's not great advice. If you provide incorrect information or don't meet requirements, you could end up with an overpayment that you'd have to pay back.

fair point, better to understand the rules first

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it could be worth it to avoid the phone frustration.

It's worth checking out their site for current info. For me, the time saved was definitely worth it compared to spending entire days trying to get through.

Good to know! I'll file this week then. Better safe than sorry.

Exactly right. The benefit year starts when you file, not when you became unemployed.

I haven't registered with WorkSource yet. Is that something I need to do before filing for benefits?

You should register within a few weeks of filing for benefits. Washington ESD will send you information about the requirement.

Really? I've been doing some networking but wasn't sure if that counted. That's helpful to know.

Yes, but make sure you document them properly in your job search log with names, dates, and outcomes.

That's a good way to think about it. I was feeling guilty about being selective, but you're right that it's what the system is meant to support.

Exactly! We pay into this system through our paychecks, so we should be able to use it properly when we need it.

Yes, you need to report any income on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on how much you earn, but you can usually still receive partial benefits.

Thanks! Better to know upfront than get surprised later.

What exactly triggered the adjudication? I want to avoid that if possible.

I mentioned in my initial interview that I was looking for the 'right opportunity' and they flagged it as potentially not being available for work. Just be careful how you phrase things.

This is exactly the kind of situation where talking to a Washington ESD rep through Claimyr could help clarify the right way to present your job search approach.

Good luck with your claim and job search! Feel free to ask if you run into any issues with the process.

You've got this! The fact that you're asking the right questions upfront shows you'll handle the process well.