What are the Washington ESD unemployment requirements for staying qualified?

The main requirements are pretty straightforward but you definitely need to follow them exactly. You have to file your weekly claim every week even if you haven't heard back about the previous one. For job search, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a detailed log. This includes applying to jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking approved training courses.

dont forget about the able and available requirement too. you have to be physically and mentally able to work and available to accept suitable work if its offered. if you go out of state for more than a few days you need to let them know

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months and honestly the hardest part isn't meeting the requirements - it's getting through to them when you have questions. I spent weeks calling that main number and either got busy signals or got disconnected after waiting forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

You also need to report ANY income you earn during the week, even if it's just a few hours of part-time work or gig economy stuff. Washington ESD will find out eventually and if you don't report it upfront, they'll hit you with an overpayment that you'll have to pay back with penalties.

THE SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS!!! I followed every single requirement perfectly for 8 weeks and they still put my claim under review for no reason. Now I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening. These requirements are just hoops to jump through while they delay your benefits as long as possible!

WorkSourceWA registration is mandatory - you have to create an account and keep your profile updated. They use it to match you with job opportunities and track your job search activities. Some people think it's optional but it's not.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' and being on standby. If you're on standby from your employer, the requirements are different - you don't have to do the job search activities but you do have to be ready to return to work when called back.

been on unemployment 3 times over the years and honestly the requirements aren't that hard if you just stay organized. keep a spreadsheet with your job applications, set reminders to file your weekly claims, and don't try to game the system

Don't forget that if you refuse suitable work or turn down a job interview without good cause, you can get disqualified. 'Good cause' has a specific legal definition so don't assume your reason counts.

I had to appeal a disqualification once because I missed filing one weekly claim when I was sick. The appeal process is a whole other nightmare - took 2 months to get a hearing scheduled. Make sure you never miss those weekly claim deadlines!

Another thing - if you start school or training, it can affect your benefits depending on the program. Some training is approved and you can still collect, but others might make you ineligible because you're not available for work.

The key thing everyone's missing is that requirements can change based on how long you've been collecting. After a certain number of weeks, they might require more job search activities or expand what types of jobs you have to consider.

I'm dealing with the same situation right now! Got laid off 3 weeks ago and just trying to figure everything out. This thread is super helpful.

Pro tip: screenshot everything in your Washington ESD account regularly. I've had information disappear from my account before and having screenshots saved me during an audit.

If you're in a union, make sure to check if there are any special requirements or benefits you're entitled to. Union members sometimes have different rules for job search activities.

The most important thing is to respond immediately to any requests from Washington ESD. If they ask for documents or information, don't wait - get it to them as fast as possible or your benefits could get suspended.

I was skeptical about using a service to help with Washington ESD calls, but after being stuck in adjudication for over a month, I tried Claimyr too. They got me through to someone who explained exactly what documents I needed to submit. Honestly saved my sanity.

Remember that holiday weeks might have different deadlines for filing weekly claims. Washington ESD usually posts notices about this but it's easy to miss.

One more thing - if you move to a different state while collecting Washington unemployment, there are special procedures you have to follow. Don't just assume you can keep filing the same way.