Washington ESD unemployment eligibility - furloughed from job, can I apply?

That's a relief to hear. Do I need any special documentation from my employer or just file normally?

Just file normally through the Washington ESD website. They might contact your employer to verify the furlough status during adjudication.

Wait, so I have to look for other jobs even though I'm expecting to go back to my current job eventually?

Yes, that's the rule. You have to be able and available for work, which means actively seeking employment. It's annoying but that's how the system works.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I had questions about my furlough situation. Sometimes it's easier to just talk to an actual Washington ESD agent to understand all the requirements. Check out claimyr.com - they help you get through to agents without waiting on hold forever.

They said 'indefinite' so no return date was given. Does that make it better for my claim?

An indefinite furlough is typically treated the same as a layoff for unemployment purposes. You should be fine to file.

3 weeks?? That's going to be tough financially. Is there any way to speed up the process?

Not really, but don't skip any weekly certifications or you'll have to start over. The waiting is the worst part but once it's approved you get back pay.

I actually found Claimyr really helpful for checking on my adjudication status. Instead of calling Washington ESD and getting busy signals, their service got me through to an agent who could tell me exactly what was happening with my claim. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Yes, we're keeping our health insurance during the furlough. Good to know it's still considered unemployment for benefits.

That's actually a nice setup - getting unemployment plus keeping your health benefits. Better than being completely laid off.

You need to apply to jobs you're qualified for and that pay at least a certain percentage of your previous wage. Check the Washington ESD website for the specific requirements.

ok but where exactly on their website? I've looked everywhere and it's all so complicated

Try calling them directly through Claimyr. I was confused about job search requirements too and talking to an actual person made everything clear. Way better than trying to navigate their website.

That's reassuring. I was worried my employer might fight the claim somehow.

Nah, most employers don't contest furlough claims since they're the ones who initiated it. Very different from a firing or quitting situation.

Definitely won't risk that. I assume that would cause major problems later?

Oh yeah, they call that an overpayment and you'd have to pay everything back plus penalties. Not worth it.

This is why I always recommend talking to a Washington ESD agent when you have questions about changes in your work status. Claimyr makes it so much easier to get through to someone who can give you accurate info about reporting requirements.

Good point. I'll file this weekend since the furlough officially starts Monday.

Smart move. And remember to save all documentation about the furlough just in case Washington ESD asks for it later.

It's due to reduced orders/business slowdown, nothing seasonal. Hopefully that's the 'good' kind of furlough for benefits purposes.

That should be fine then. Seasonal stuff sometimes has different rules but business slowdown furloughs are pretty standard for UI eligibility.

Yeah their website is pretty overwhelming. I'll just file and see what happens I guess.

That's the right attitude. The system is designed to help people in your exact situation.