Washington ESD unemployment for contractors - do contractors qualify for unemployment benefits?

That's what I was afraid of. So there's literally nothing available for contractors who lose work?

There might be other programs - keep reading the thread, someone will probably know more specifics

Really? That's hopeful news! I'll definitely check that out. How recent is this program?

Wait, is this the same as regular unemployment or a separate thing? I'm confused about what programs are available

It's separate from regular UI benefits. Different application process and requirements. Best to talk to Washington ESD directly to understand what you qualify for.

Exactly! It's so hard to find clear information about what's available for people like us.

Have you tried calling Washington ESD directly? That's probably your best bet for getting accurate information about contractor programs.

That makes sense. Do you know what these programs are called so I can search for them specifically?

I think it's related to the paid family leave program but I'm not 100% sure

There are different programs for different situations. Best to speak with Washington ESD directly about your specific circumstances as a contractor.

I know, right? The whole system seems designed around traditional employment relationships.

Yeah, it's like they assume everyone is a W2 employee. Really stressful when you're already worried about income.

That's exactly why I mentioned claimyr earlier - sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person at Washington ESD to get straight answers instead of trying to decode the website.

What kind of benefits were you able to get? And how did you find out about them?

I had to call Washington ESD multiple times to get clear answers. The website didn't explain it well at all.

How long did it take to get approved? I'm worried about the timeline since I need income soon.

Are those pandemic programs still available? I thought most of those ended a while ago.

Most pandemic programs have ended, but some states created permanent programs for contractors. You'd need to check what's currently available in Washington.

That's what I figured. I wish there was a simple yes or no answer, but it sounds like it depends on the specific programs available.

It's so complicated! Why can't they just have a clear list of what's available for contractors?

I might have to try that. The website is just too confusing and I can't get through on the phone normally.

Is that service legit? I've never heard of it before.

Yeah it's legitimate - they just help you get connected to the actual Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com if you want to see how it works.

Let me know how it goes! I've been putting off calling because I keep hearing how hard it is to get through.

Good luck! I found that calling right when they open gives you the best chance.

Thanks for the clarification. It sounds like the main takeaway is that I need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD rather than trying to figure it out online.

Exactly. Every contractor's situation is different so you need personalized advice.

Same here! I was ready to give up but now I'm thinking there might be something out there.

It's definitely worth exploring all your options, especially if you're in a tough financial situation.

That's encouraging to hear. I really hope there's something available because I'm getting worried about my finances.

Did you end up qualifying for any programs? I'm curious about the outcome.

I did qualify for some assistance but I don't want to give specific details since everyone's situation is different. Definitely worth checking though.

Right? This thread has been eye-opening. I wish this information was easier to find.

That's why it's so important to actually speak with the agency directly. There are often programs that aren't well-publicized.

I think I'm going to try that. This thread has convinced me that I need to actually talk to someone who knows the system.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

Check their website for current info - claimyr.com. But honestly, even if there's a cost, it might be worth it if it helps you access benefits you didn't know existed.

Agreed! This thread has given me hope that there might be something available for contractors after all.

Good luck to everyone dealing with this situation. Hope you all find the help you need.

Please update us on how it goes! I'm planning to call soon too and would love to hear about your experience.

Definitely let us know what you find out. Your experience could help other contractors in similar situations.

Good luck! You're taking the right approach by going directly to the source for information.

Hope you get the answers you need! Don't give up if the first call doesn't work out - keep trying different approaches.

Thanks for starting this thread! It's been really informative for all of us contractors.