Washington ESD unemployment questions and answers - need help with weekly claims

Mainly the job search stuff - how many contacts per week, what counts as a valid contact, and how detailed the log needs to be.

You need 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking events, job fairs, or informational interviews. Keep detailed records with company names, dates, and contact methods.

This is super helpful! I didn't know about reporting earnings for the week you earn them vs when you get paid.

Wait so if I work Monday and get paid Friday, I report it for the week with Monday?

Exactly right. Report earnings for the week the work was performed, regardless of when the paycheck comes.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD by phone.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than spending your whole day redialing.

How much does something like that cost though?

You don't have to apply to random jobs. Job search activities include networking, attending career fairs, informational interviews, and online training. It's not just applications.

oh that helps actually. I've been doing some online courses related to my field

You can't edit a submitted weekly claim, but you can report the error when you file your next claim. There's usually a section asking about corrections to previous weeks.

I had to do this once when I forgot to report some part-time work. Washington ESD was actually pretty understanding about honest mistakes.

Standby means you're temporarily laid off but expect to return to the same employer. You still file weekly claims but may not need to do job search activities if your return date is within 8 weeks.

That makes sense. My employer said probably 6 weeks so I should be good without the job search stuff.

Just make sure your employer actually files the standby paperwork with Washington ESD or you'll be stuck doing job searches anyway.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before they can approve benefits. Could be about why you left your job, work availability, or identity verification.

How long does that usually take?

Varies a lot - anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the issue and how backed up they are. You should keep filing weekly claims during adjudication.

I agree the website is a mess. I usually just go straight to the weekly claim filing page and avoid trying to navigate around.

The mobile version is even worse. Constantly times out when I'm trying to file my claim.

I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Been trying to call for 3 weeks about my adjudication status.

That's exactly the kind of situation where it's worth it. Way less stressful than calling 50 times a day.

Generally you need to be available for work to receive unemployment. Full-time school can conflict with this unless you're in an approved training program.

It's a certification program related to my field. Should I contact Washington ESD about getting it approved?

Yes, definitely contact them. There's a process to get training programs approved that can waive the job search requirements.

You need to call Washington ESD to file a late claim. They can backdate it if you have good cause for the delay, but you need to do it ASAP.

Great, more calling Washington ESD. This is going to take forever.

This is another perfect example of when Claimyr is worth using. Getting through for something time-sensitive like a late filing.

You might qualify for benefits if you quit for compelling personal reasons related to health. You'll need medical documentation and Washington ESD will review your case.

I have all the medical records. Should I mention this when I apply or wait for them to ask?

Mention it when you apply and be prepared to submit documentation. The more info you provide upfront, the smoother the process usually goes.

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 and still receive partial benefits. Anything over that reduces your benefits dollar for dollar.

So if my weekly benefit is $400, I can earn up to $405 and still get something?

Exactly. If you earn $405, you'd get your full $400 benefit. If you earn $500, you'd get $300 in benefits.

Looking for gig work can count as job search activities, but you need to document it properly. Include the platform, type of work sought, and date of activity.

Good to know. I've been applying to drive for different delivery services but wasn't sure if it counted.

Right? I learned more here in 10 minutes than hours on their official site.

The official site is written by lawyers for lawyers. Real people explaining things in plain English is so much better.

You should report it on your next weekly claim. There's a question about returning to work. Don't just stop filing without reporting the job.

Thanks! I start Monday so I'll make sure to report it on my Sunday filing.

Congrats on the job! Make sure you report your last day of unemployment accurately.