What must an individual do each week they receive unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! So I need to do 3 job search activities every single week? What counts as a job search activity?

Yes, 3 per week minimum. Job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, creating/updating your resume, registering with WorkSourceWA, meeting with employment counselors - stuff like that. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD can audit your job search log.

What if I do some side work under the table? Do I still need to report that?

YES you absolutely have to report ALL work and wages, even cash jobs. Washington ESD has ways of finding out and if they catch you not reporting income, you'll have to pay back benefits plus penalties. It's not worth the risk.

Okay good to know, I won't risk it. Better to be honest about everything.

What day of the week do you usually file? I'm trying to figure out the best time to do it.

I usually file on Sunday mornings when I'm having coffee. The system is less busy then and I can take my time to make sure I answer everything correctly.

How much does that service cost? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

It's totally worth it when you consider the alternative is spending hours trying to call Washington ESD and never getting through. Plus if you mess up your weekly claims, you could lose weeks of benefits which costs way more.

What if I get sick one week? Do I still file my weekly claim?

Yes, you still file but you'd answer 'no' to being able to work that week. You might not get benefits for that week, but you need to keep filing to maintain your claim.

Actually, if you're sick for less than a week you might still be considered able and available. It's one of those gray areas where talking to an Washington ESD agent helps clarify your specific situation.

I get that frustration, but remember that 'suitable work' expands over time. After a certain period, you may need to consider jobs outside your usual field or at lower pay. Washington ESD has specific rules about what constitutes suitable work.

Yeah I know, I'm just hoping to find something in my field before I have to start looking at retail jobs or whatever.

Volunteering itself doesn't count as a job search activity, but networking you do while volunteering might. Like if you meet someone who could help you find work or learn about job opportunities. Just make sure you're still doing actual job search activities too.

That makes sense. I'll keep track of any networking I do while volunteering separately from my regular job search log.

How often do they actually audit job search records?

It's random but they do it. I got audited after about 6 months on unemployment. They wanted to see my job search log for the previous 12 weeks. Luckily I had everything documented.

What happens if you don't have good records when they audit you?

They can disqualify you from benefits and make you pay back what you received. It's serious stuff, so definitely keep good records from day one.

Just once, but you should keep your profile updated and use it for job searches. It's a good resource and Washington ESD likes to see that you're actively using it.

Okay cool, I already registered but wasn't sure if I needed to do anything else with it weekly.

The deadline usually stays the same even on holiday weekends, but Washington ESD will post notices if anything changes. I always check their website if there's a holiday that week.

Good to know, I'll make sure to check. Don't want to accidentally miss a deadline because of a holiday.

Washington ESD has rules about 'suitable work' that consider your skills, experience, and previous wages. Early in your claim, you can be more selective, but over time the definition of suitable work broadens. If you turn down suitable work, you could be disqualified.

How do they define 'suitable' exactly? Is there a specific percentage of my previous wage that I have to accept?

It's complicated and depends on various factors. This is definitely something you'd want to discuss with an Washington ESD agent before making a decision about a job offer.

Was it hard to use? I'm not super tech-savvy but I really need to talk to someone about my specific situation.

Super easy actually. You just tell them what you need help with and they handle getting you connected to the right person at Washington ESD. Way less stressful than trying to call on your own.

Really? What kind of training programs qualify?

Trade schools, community college programs, some online courses - but they have to be pre-approved by Washington ESD. You can't just sign up for any random class and expect it to count.

Did you get in trouble for answering wrong initially?

No, but I did have to explain what happened when they questioned some of my answers later. That's when I learned to be more careful about how I interpret the questions.

How do you file by phone? I didn't know that was an option.

There's a phone number for the automated system, but it's not as user-friendly as the website. I only use it when the online system is down.

That's scary. I definitely don't want to risk having to pay anything back. I'll make sure to be completely honest about everything.

Exactly. It's just not worth the risk. Follow the rules, keep good records, and you'll be fine.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about managing my weekly claims now.

You're welcome! Just remember to stay organized and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Good luck with your job search!