Washington ESD unemployment eligibility while enrolled as a student - help needed

Yes, you can collect unemployment as a student in Washington, but there are specific requirements you need to meet. You have to be available for work during all the hours your school isn't in session, and you need to be actively searching for employment. The key is proving you're available for full-time work if school schedule permits.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to clarify my eligibility. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get connected to an actual agent who could explain the student eligibility rules properly. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The main thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you're able and available for work. If you're only taking 9 credits part-time, you should be fine as long as you can work around your class schedule. Full-time students (12+ credits) sometimes have more scrutiny, but part-time is usually okay.

Make sure you're honest about your student status when you file your claim. Trying to hide it will cause problems later. Washington ESD will eventually find out anyway, and it's better to be upfront from the beginning.

ugh the student thing is so confusing... I tried to apply last semester and they kept asking me all these questions about my availability and I just gave up. Maybe I should try again since I really need the money now

I remember reading something about work-study positions not counting toward your base period earnings for unemployment. That might affect your benefit amount even if you're eligible.

Just want to mention that I had success with Claimyr too when I needed to talk to someone about my student status. Way easier than trying to get through on the phone myself.

One thing to keep in mind - you'll need to do your job search activities around your school schedule too. Washington ESD requires you to actively look for work and document your job search efforts.

I'm also a student but I was told I couldn't get unemployment because I'm not 'available for work' during school hours. This is so frustrating - I need income but can't get help because I'm trying to better myself through education.

Quick question - do online classes affect eligibility differently than in-person classes? I'm doing most of my coursework online so I have more flexibility with my schedule.

The whole system is designed to make it hard for students to get help. I know people who dropped out of school just to qualify for unemployment. It's ridiculous.

I had to provide my class schedule and a letter from my school showing my enrollment status when I applied. Just be prepared to document everything about your student status and availability.

if you're taking morning classes like you said you should be fine. I take evening classes and work during the day and had no problem getting approved for unemployment when I got laid off last year

Don't forget that you'll need to report any changes in your school schedule on your weekly claims. If you add or drop classes, that could affect your eligibility.

The Washington ESD website has some information about student eligibility, but it's not super clear. Talking to an actual person is definitely the best way to get accurate information for your specific situation.

I think as long as you're honest about your student status and can demonstrate availability for work, you should be okay. The worst they can do is say no, but it's worth trying.

Just wanted to add that if you do get approved, make sure you understand the work search requirements. You'll need to actively look for jobs that you can actually take given your class schedule.

Good luck with your claim! It sounds like you have a good chance of being approved since you're only part-time and have availability most days of the week.