What is seasonal unemployment in Washington ESD system?

Thanks! So I can file weekly claims just like regular unemployment? Do I still have to do the job search requirements?

Yes you still file weekly claims. Job search requirements depend on your specific situation - if you have reasonable assurance of returning to work next season, the requirements might be modified.

Did you have any issues with adjudication? I'm worried they might question my claim since it's seasonal.

Mine went through fine but it took about 2 weeks longer than expected. Just be honest about your seasonal work pattern when you file.

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days about my seasonal claim.

It's worth it to get real answers instead of guessing. The phone lines are impossible otherwise and seasonal claims can be tricky.

What kind of documentation do I need? My employer just told us verbally that we're laid off until next season.

Get something in writing - even an email confirming the seasonal layoff and expected return date. This helps avoid adjudication issues.

This is good advice. I had adjudication delays because I didn't have proper documentation of my seasonal layoff from the resort.

Exactly! I love the work but the uncertainty between seasons is stressful.

That's just part of seasonal work unfortunately. At least Washington ESD recognizes it as legitimate unemployment.

I didn't know there were different categories. I work in agriculture and was told my seasonal claim might be processed differently.

Agricultural seasonal workers sometimes have special provisions, especially if you work for the same farms each year. Check with Washington ESD about agricultural seasonal worker policies.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Trying to reach Washington ESD on your own is basically hopeless with seasonal questions.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. I got through once after about 50 tries but it was worth it for the clarification.

I'll check out that Claimyr thing. This is ridiculous - I just need to know if my claim is processing correctly.

What's the practical difference for my weekly claims? Do I report them differently?

Standby status might have different job search requirements. Seasonal unemployment typically follows regular UI job search rules unless you have reasonable assurance of returning.

This is only my second season at the resort. Will that cause problems with my claim?

Shouldn't be a problem as long as you're honest about your work history. They mainly want to verify it's legitimate seasonal unemployment, not fraud.

Good point about establishing patterns. I'm in my 5th year with the same seasonal employer and my claims barely get questioned anymore.

That's great news! How long did it take to get connected through Claimyr?

They called me back within about an hour and had me connected to an actual Washington ESD agent within minutes. So much better than the endless busy signals.

Good reminder! I almost forgot to file last week because I'm not used to the routine yet.

Set up reminders on your phone. I file mine every Sunday morning so I don't forget.

I hadn't thought about that. How do I check how many weeks of benefits I have left?

Log into your Washington ESD account online. It should show your remaining benefit balance and how many weeks you have left in your current benefit year.

What kind of records should I keep? Just pay stubs and layoff notices?

Pay stubs, layoff notices, any correspondence about seasonal schedules, and records of when you typically get called back to work. The more documentation the better.

This whole thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my seasonal unemployment claim now.

Agreed! Seasonal work has its challenges but at least Washington ESD recognizes it as legitimate unemployment. Just follow the rules and document everything.