What is weekly certification for unemployment - Washington ESD requirements?

Oh okay that makes sense. So I have to do this every single week even if nothing has changed with my situation?

Yep, every week. Even if you have no work or job contacts to report, you still need to file the weekly claim or you won't get paid for that week.

What kind of questions do they ask? I haven't started working yet so I'm not sure what I'll need to report.

They'll ask if you were able and available to work, if you worked any hours or earned money, if you refused any job offers, and about your job search contacts. For job search, you typically need 3 contacts per week.

Wait, 3 job contacts every week? That seems like a lot. Is that really required?

Oh no, that sounds frustrating! What happens if you miss the deadline because the system is down?

You can usually file late but it delays your payment. Sometimes they make exceptions for system issues but you have to call and explain, which is another nightmare because you can never get through to anyone at Washington ESD.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD on the phone. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Yes, you still need to file weekly claims even on standby. The process is similar but you'll indicate that you're on standby and not actively seeking work.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried I was supposed to be doing job searches even though I'm expecting to go back to my regular job.

What kind of records do you need to keep? Just the company names?

company name, contact info, date you applied, method (online, phone, in person), and position you applied for. Washington ESD wants detailed documentation.

How early can you file? Like right after the week ends?

Usually you can file starting Monday morning for the previous week. Check your account on SecureAccess Washington to see when your next filing period opens.

How long did you have to wait for the payment after you called?

About 2 weeks longer than usual. They said it had to go through some kind of review process for late filings.

What if I work just a few hours one week? Do I still get some unemployment payment?

Yes, you can usually work part-time and still get partial unemployment benefits. Washington ESD calculates how much to reduce your payment based on what you earned.

Do you report it through the same weekly certification system?

You can report it through your weekly claim, but there's also usually a separate option to report return to work immediately. Check your SecureAccess Washington account for the option.

Good idea about the phone reminder. What day do you usually file yours?

i do mine every tuesday morning with my coffee. gives me time to think about the previous week and make sure i have all my job search info ready

Is it expensive to use? I'm already tight on money while unemployed.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com to see what works for your situation. For me, the time saved was worth it since I was spending hours trying to get through on my own.

What's the difference? I thought they were the same thing.

Able and available means you're ready to work if offered a job - not sick, not on vacation, etc. Actively seeking work means you're actually applying for jobs and can prove your job search activities.

You can file on mobile but it's definitely easier on a computer. The mobile version of SecureAccess Washington can be glitchy sometimes.

thanks, i'll try to use a computer when possible. don't want to risk messing up my certification because of mobile issues

Do they send any reminders at all?

They're supposed to send email reminders but I don't always get them. Better to just set your own reminder like others suggested.

Can the contacts be online applications or do some have to be in-person?

Online applications definitely count. I think phone calls and in-person visits count too. The important thing is that you're making genuine efforts to find work.

That seems to be the consensus - that getting through to talk to someone is really helpful but hard to do on your own.

Exactly. The written instructions aren't always clear for specific situations, so talking to an actual person who knows the rules can save you from making mistakes.

Thanks everyone for all the explanations! This makes much more sense now. I feel more prepared to start filing my weekly certifications.

You're welcome! Just remember to be consistent and honest with your reporting, and you'll be fine. The process becomes routine after a few weeks.

Good point! I hadn't thought about travel affecting unemployment benefits.

Yeah, the 'able and available' requirement means you need to be in Washington and available to accept work. Short trips might be okay but longer ones could affect your benefits.

What information should I have ready each week before I start filing?

Your job search log with employer contacts, any wages earned that week, and answers to whether you were able and available to work each day. Having it organized makes the process much faster.

Thank you! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this. Feeling much more confident about the process now.