What is actual unemployment vs what Washington ESD considers unemployment?

Washington ESD defines unemployment differently than just 'not having a job.' You can be partially unemployed if you work reduced hours or earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. Total unemployment means you worked less than full-time and earned under that threshold. There's also able and available requirements - you have to be physically and mentally capable of work and actively seeking employment.

The standby thing is confusing too. I'm on standby with my employer but haven't worked in 3 weeks. Washington ESD approved me for standby status but I still have to do the job search stuff which seems weird if I'm expecting to go back to work.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to clarify my situation but can't get through. The phone system is impossible - either busy signals or I get disconnected after waiting an hour. Found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Finally got my questions answered about partial unemployment rules.

The able and available part trips people up. You can't be on vacation, sick, or have other commitments that prevent you from accepting suitable work. Even if you're not working, if you're not genuinely available for employment, you don't qualify for that week.

this is all so complicated!! I just want to know if I can get benefits while working part time at target. I used to work full time there but they cut everyone's hours after the holidays. some weeks I get 20 hours some weeks 12 hours.

The seasonal worker rules are different too. If you work seasonal jobs regularly, Washington ESD might determine you're not truly unemployed during off-seasons if that's your normal work pattern.

Don't forget about the monetary determination too. You have to have earned enough wages in your base period to qualify. Just being unemployed isn't enough - you need sufficient work history and earnings.

The gig economy makes this even more confusing. Uber drivers, DoorDash, freelancers - are they employed or unemployed? Most aren't eligible for regular UI unless they've been paying into the system as employees somewhere else.

I was denied initially because I quit my job, but it was due to unsafe working conditions. Had to appeal and prove it was for good cause. Voluntary quits usually disqualify you unless you meet specific criteria.

What about people who are laid off but offered a different position with the same company? Are they unemployed if they refuse the new job?

The whole system assumes unemployment is temporary and you're actively trying to get back to work. If you're not genuinely seeking employment or turn down suitable opportunities, you're not meeting the definition of unemployed for benefit purposes.

I used Claimyr last month when I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD about my claim status. The rep explained that being unemployed for benefits means meeting all these different criteria simultaneously - no work or reduced work, able and available, adequate wage history, and actively seeking employment. It's not just about not having a job.

Another thing - you can be employed but still unemployed for UI purposes if your hours or wages drop significantly. I work in retail and my hours got cut from 35 to 15 per week. Washington ESD considers me partially unemployed.

Students have special rules too. Full-time students usually can't collect unemployment during school periods unless they were working while attending school and meet other criteria.

Military spouses face unique challenges too. Frequent moves can interrupt employment, but proving you're available for work while dealing with PCS moves gets complicated.

Don't overlook the job search log requirements. You have to maintain records of your work search activities. Being unemployed means actively pursuing employment, not just being without work.

The bottom line is Washington ESD unemployment isn't just about lacking employment - it's about being involuntarily without adequate work while meeting ongoing eligibility requirements and actively seeking employment. It's a pretty specific definition that goes way beyond the common understanding of being unemployed.

If anyone else is struggling to get through to Washington ESD for clarification on their specific situation, I also had success with Claimyr. Sometimes you really need to talk to someone to understand how these rules apply to your particular circumstances.