Washington ESD - what are the 4 types of unemployment benefits available?

Thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for. I think regular UI is what I need since the downsizing was permanent.

Wait, is Shared Work the same as partial unemployment? I've been working reduced hours and wasn't sure if I qualified for anything.

How do you know if you qualify for Training Benefits? I've been thinking about going back to school.

Training Benefits require pre-approval from Washington ESD and the training has to be on their approved list. You can't just start any program and expect them to pay for it.

Interesting, I haven't heard of that before. How does it work exactly?

It basically handles the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. They call Washington ESD and then connect you when they get through to an agent.

That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

Extended Benefits are tied to state unemployment rates and aren't always available. They're not really a separate 'type' but more like an extension of regular UI.

Good point, I was thinking of it as separate but you're right it's just an extension.

Shared Work lets you collect partial unemployment while working reduced hours. Your employer has to participate in the program though - they can't just cut your hours and expect you to get benefits.

Oh so my employer has to apply for it? I can't just file myself?

Correct, the employer has to submit a Shared Work plan to Washington ESD first. Then you can file for the partial benefits.

Standby requires a specific return date within 8 weeks. If they just said 'maybe' or 'when things pick up' without a date, that's not standby - you'd file regular UI.

That makes sense. I'll file regular UI then since there's no definite date.

The different programs serve different situations. Someone temporarily laid off has different needs than someone permanently unemployed or someone whose hours were cut.

I guess that makes sense when you put it that way.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Saved me so much frustration trying to get through their phone system.

I've been trying to call for three days straight and keep getting the busy signal. This is ridiculous.

You'd need to check with Washington ESD about switching programs. Generally you can't be on regular UI and Shared Work at the same time, but there might be ways to transition.

Makes sense. I'll ask when I file my claim.

My cousin got approved for a medical assistant program through Training Benefits. But she had to prove her old job skills weren't in demand anymore.

That's encouraging to hear someone actually got approved. I thought it was just theoretical.

The pandemic programs like PUA and PEUC ended in 2021. We're back to just the regular Washington state programs now.

Oh okay, that explains why I couldn't find information about those when I was searching recently.

Exactly. Regular UI covers the vast majority of unemployment situations. The other programs are for specific circumstances.

That's what I'm thinking too. Regular UI seems like the right fit for my situation.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was a game changer. Instead of me sitting on hold, they handle the calling and just connect me when they reach an agent.

That actually sounds really helpful. I'm tired of wasting entire mornings trying to get through.

You'd need to get approval from Washington ESD first before starting any training program. You can't just switch mid-stream without their okay.

Good to know. I'll make sure to get approval before enrolling in anything.

Same here! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

Agreed, wish Washington ESD explained it this clearly on their website.

No, job search requirements vary by program. Regular UI requires 3 job search activities per week. Standby doesn't require job search since you're expected to return to work. Shared Work and Training Benefits have their own specific requirements.

That's important to know. I don't want to mess up the requirements.

You generally need to apply for the specific program that fits your situation. Washington ESD doesn't automatically switch you between programs.

Makes sense. Better to apply for the right one from the start then.

Same! This thread answered all my questions.

Glad we could help. Good luck with your claim!

Good advice. I'll definitely ask when I call to file my claim.

And if you have trouble getting through, seriously consider that Claimyr service. Made my life so much easier when dealing with Washington ESD.

Happy to help! These programs can be confusing but once you understand the basics it's much easier to navigate.

Totally agree. Now I feel prepared to file my claim with confidence.