Washington ESD unemployment describes the condition where you can't find work - confused about eligibility

Thanks! What if I only worked part-time? Does that affect the monetary requirements?

Part-time work can still qualify as long as you earned enough total wages. Washington ESD looks at your total earnings, not whether you worked full-time or part-time.

I had the same problem! Couldn't get through on the phone for over a month. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an Washington ESD agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Really? That actually worked for you? I'm skeptical of anything that costs money when Washington ESD services should be free.

I get the skepticism, but it just helps you get through their phone system - it doesn't replace Washington ESD services. Still file your claim through them directly.

Adjudication can take forever, especially if there are any issues with your claim. Have you checked your account to see if they need additional documentation?

yeah checked everything, no pending issues showing up. just says adjudication in progress

This is really helpful! How do I know what my base period is exactly?

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you're filing now in January 2025, it would be July-September 2023, October-December 2023, January-March 2024, and April-June 2024.

Do I need to start job searching before my claim is approved?

Yes, you should start your job search activities right away. Even if your claim is still processing, you'll need to show you were actively looking for work during that time.

Right? The job search requirements alone are confusing. Plus having to file weekly claims every week even when nothing changes.

And don't forget the work search log! I almost got disqualified because I wasn't keeping track properly.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke waiting for benefits

It's worth checking out their site - claimyr.com. They focus on the value of actually reaching someone rather than the cost. When you're waiting weeks for adjudication, sometimes you need that direct contact.

If you received a disqualification notice, you should appeal it in writing within 30 days. Don't rely only on phone contact for something that important.

I want to appeal but I need to understand why I was disqualified first. The notice was super vague.

This is exactly the situation where services like Claimyr help - when you need to actually talk to someone about specific issues like disqualification reasons. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

What kind of proof do they usually want for involuntary job loss?

Usually your employer reports the reason for separation, but if there's a dispute, you might need documentation like layoff notices, emails, or witness statements.

The online system is better but still glitchy sometimes. Had my weekly claim get stuck in processing for no reason.

yeah the website crashes during peak times too. especially sunday nights when everyone's filing their weeklies

How do they define 'suitable work'? Does it have to be exactly the same as my previous job?

It doesn't have to be identical, but it should reasonably match your skills, experience, and the local wage standards for your field. They can't force you to take a minimum wage job if you're a skilled professional, at least not immediately.

So true! I had to learn what adjudication meant, how base periods work, the difference between able and available... it's like learning a new language.

Don't forget standby status, job attached claims, and all the different benefit year terms. Washington ESD loves their acronyms.

The job search activities don't all have to be applications. You can include networking, attending job fairs, updating your resume with WorkSource, or taking training courses.

That's actually helpful to know. I was only counting applications and running out of legitimate opportunities.

8 weeks?! That's ridiculous. Did you ever find out what the hold-up was?

They said there was a question about my separation reason, but my employer had already confirmed I was laid off. Just took forever for someone to actually review it.

This is why I wish I'd known about Claimyr earlier. Would have saved weeks of stress not knowing what was happening with my claim.

You're right, I was getting too caught up in the technical definition. I should just file and see if I qualify based on my work history.

Exactly. The worst they can do is say no, and then you can appeal if you disagree. Better to try than assume you don't qualify.

Same! And refreshing the payment history page like it's going to magically update mid-day.

Right? Like somehow checking more often would make them process it faster. The waiting is the worst part.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I'm going to file my claim tomorrow and see what happens. At least now I understand the basics of what I'm getting into.

Good luck! And remember to file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is processing. Don't want to miss any potential benefit weeks.