Washington ESD unemployment requirements - what exactly do I need to do?

Thanks! Do I have to use WorkSourceWA for all 3 job search activities or can I apply directly to employers too?

You can mix it up - applying directly to employers counts, networking events count, even some online training courses count as job search activities. Just make sure you document everything properly.

I'm not on temporary layoff, it was a permanent layoff. What counts as being 'available for work' exactly?

Basically you need to be ready to accept suitable work if offered. You can't turn down job offers without good cause, and you need to be physically and mentally able to work.

I had the same problem until I found out about Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Made my life so much easier!

really?? that sounds too good to be true but i'm desperate at this point

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They handle all the phone waiting and then conference you in when they get an agent. Way better than spending hours on hold.

What kind of documentation should I keep for job searches? Just the company names and dates?

Company name, date, method of contact, position applied for, and any follow-up. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time so you want to be thorough.

This is so important! I got audited last year and they wanted to see proof of every single job search activity I claimed.

What happens if I miss filing my weekly claim one week?

You can usually file a late claim but you might lose that week's benefits depending on the reason. Don't risk it - set reminders on your phone.

You should focus on suitable work first - jobs that match your skills and pay reasonably compared to your previous job. But if those aren't available, you may need to expand your search after a few weeks.

How do I know what's considered 'suitable work' for my situation?

Generally it's work that uses your skills and pays at least 70% of your previous wage in the first few weeks. The standards get looser the longer you're unemployed.

What if I just help a friend with their business for a few hours? Do I really need to report that?

If you're getting paid anything at all, yes you need to report it. Even if it's just $20, report it. The consequences of not reporting are way worse than just being honest upfront.

It happened to me! They sent a letter asking for documentation of my job search activities from the previous 6 weeks. Had to provide screenshots, email confirmations, everything.

My friend got audited too. They were pretty thorough - called some of the employers to verify she actually applied there.

Do I need to go to their physical office or can I do everything online?

Most of it can be done online now. You'll create a profile, upload your resume, and browse job postings. Some services might require in-person visits but they'll let you know.

totally agree, their website is awful and the phone system is even worse

I've found their handbook PDF has most of the info but it's like 50 pages long and written in government-speak

So if I have a doctor's appointment one day, does that make me unavailable for work that week?

No, routine appointments are fine. It's more about things like taking a vacation, going to school full-time, or having other commitments that would prevent you from accepting a job offer.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money because of being unemployed.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com - they focus on getting you the help you need rather than just making money off desperate people.

How strict are they about this stuff? Like if I miss one job search activity in a week, will they cut me off?

They usually look at patterns rather than isolated incidents, but why risk it? Better to just follow the requirements consistently.

This is good to know! I wasn't sure if I should keep filing claims if I got a part-time job.

definitely keep filing as long as you're earning less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. washington esd has worksheets to help calculate partial benefits.

Would taking an online course count as a job search activity?

It depends on the course and whether it directly relates to your job search. Check with WorkSource or Washington ESD to make sure it qualifies before counting it.

That's smart! I should probably start doing something like that instead of just keeping random notes on my phone.

Yeah, trust me it saves so much stress. Especially if you ever need to call Washington ESD about something - you'll have all your info ready.

Wait, so I won't get paid for my first week even if I file correctly?

Right, the first week is a waiting week. You still need to file the claim, but you won't get paid for it. You'll get paid starting with your second week.

This has been super helpful everyone! I feel like I actually understand what I need to do now. Going to set up my WorkSource account today and start keeping better records.

Good luck! Feel free to ask if you run into any specific issues. The system is confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it.

Yeah, I tried calling at 8am and got through in about 20 minutes instead of hours like when I called in the afternoon.

Claimyr worked for me too when I couldn't get through. Saved me a lot of frustration trying to reach someone about my adjudication issue.