Washington ESD unemployment for school bus drivers during summer break - can we qualify?

Thanks! Do I need to do job searches during the summer or is there an exemption since I'm going back to the same job?

You'll still need to meet work search requirements unless you qualify for standby status. Check with your employer about standby - some school districts file for it.

What about substitute drivers? I only work when called in during the school year.

Subs can be trickier. You'd need to show you worked enough hours to qualify for benefits and that you don't have reasonable assurance of summer work.

Never heard of that before. Did it actually work for your situation?

Yeah it did! Got connected to someone who explained the whole seasonal worker thing. Worth trying if you can't get through the normal way.

Interesting, might have to check that out if I run into phone issues this year.

What exactly counts as 'reasonable assurance' though? My district sometimes offers summer transportation for field trips.

Occasional field trips wouldn't count as reasonable assurance. It has to be regular, ongoing work that's comparable to your school year position.

File as soon as your last paid day ends. You can collect until you return to work in the fall, including through any unpaid orientation time.

So if my last day is June 15th, I should file that weekend?

Exactly. Don't wait - you want to start the process as soon as you're unemployed.

What should we look for on the separation notice to make sure it's right?

Should show 'lack of work' or 'seasonal layoff' as the reason. If it says 'quit' or something else, you'll have problems.

Yes, you must report any earnings during your weekly claims. But a few days here and there won't disqualify you completely, it just reduces that week's benefit amount.

The weekly reporting is super important. Don't skip it even if you didn't work that week.

Right? I was worried we might not qualify since we technically still have jobs.

That's what I thought too but apparently seasonal unemployment is a real thing!

What kind of work would be considered 'suitable' for a bus driver?

Generally work that pays at least 70% of your previous wage and matches your skills. Could be other driving jobs, but depends on your specific situation.

I've never had to actually take another job during summer break in all my years filing. The requirement is there but it's not like they're forcing bus drivers into random jobs.

If you're working summer projects then you wouldn't qualify for unemployment since you have ongoing employment.

Different situation than bus drivers since you actually have work available during the break.

I'm definitely keeping that in mind. The phone situation was horrible when I had to call about something else last year.

Just file normally. They'll ask about your work history and you can explain the seasonal situation if needed, but it's pretty standard for school employees.

The system recognizes school employee patterns. Your employer should also file the proper paperwork on their end.

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2021. You can receive benefits starting from your first eligible week now.

Oh that's good news! I remember hearing about waiting weeks being a thing.

So if they ask me to drive for summer school and I say no, that could be a problem?

Potentially, yes. If it's similar work at similar pay, turning it down could be seen as refusing suitable work.

But if it's just one or two days total, probably not worth losing your whole summer benefits over. Talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation.

Make sure you work enough during the school year to qualify for benefits. There are minimum earning requirements.

You'll need at least $1,640 in your base year and meet other wage requirements. Your first summer might be different if you don't have enough work history yet.

Should be the same as long as you're considered a school employee. The key is whether you have reasonable assurance of work, not what type of driving you do.

Activity drivers might actually have less assurance since sports and trips can be cancelled more easily than regular routes.

Same here! Really relieved to know this is an option.

Just make sure to file promptly and keep up with your weekly claims. The process is pretty straightforward once you get started.

I'll definitely bookmark that service just in case. Thanks for sharing!

Good luck! It really does help with summer expenses when you're not getting paid.

Same plan here. This thread gave me the confidence to actually go through with filing.

Excellent point! And keep your contact information current too. Washington ESD needs to be able to reach you if there are any questions about your claim.

That's reassuring to hear! I was worried the part-time hours might be an issue. Do you know roughly what the minimum earnings requirement is? I've been driving since September so I should have a decent base year built up by summer.