Why is unemployment so low right now - worried about my Washington ESD claim approval

That's actually really reassuring, thank you. I was worried they'd think I was lying about not finding work.

Yeah this is right, Washington ESD doesn't care about overall unemployment rates when processing your claim. They only care about your specific situation.

That actually makes a lot of sense. I've applied to probably 40 jobs and heard back from maybe 5.

This is so true! I've been seeing the same job postings up for months. Makes you wonder if they're even real.

No I haven't been able to get through at all! The phone lines are always busy or I get disconnected after waiting for hours.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them myself. They have some kind of system that calls for you and connects you when an agent picks up. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works. Saved me tons of time and frustration.

That sounds almost too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah it did! I was skeptical too but I got connected within like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

Yeah I'm starting to realize that. It's scary though because manufacturing is all I know.

WorkSource actually has retraining programs that might help you transition to a different field. Worth looking into while you're collecting benefits.

This!! So many of these jobs are gig work or temp positions that barely pay the bills.

While that may be true for some sectors, it doesn't change how Washington ESD processes unemployment claims. They're focused on whether you meet the eligibility requirements, not broader economic trends.

Good point about documentation. I've been keeping screenshots of all my applications just in case.

Smart move. I got audited last year and they wanted to see proof of every single job contact I'd made.

Thank you for saying that. I was feeling pretty awful about the whole situation.

You paid into the system through your taxes, you earned these benefits. Don't feel guilty about using them.

I've been mostly focusing on Pierce County but you're right, I should probably look at Seattle area too.

Just remember that Washington ESD considers reasonable commute distance when determining if you're available for work. Too far and they might question your availability.

I'm definitely going to try it. The not knowing what's happening with my claim is driving me crazy.

This isn't accurate. Washington ESD job search requirements are set by law and don't change based on unemployment rates. It's still 3 job contacts per week regardless of market conditions.

Maybe not officially but I swear they were more aggressive about checking my job searches when I was on UI last year.

You're probably right. I've been so anxious about everything that I'm second-guessing myself constantly.

Exactly this. Those numbers don't reflect the reality of trying to find a job that actually supports you and your family.

Thanks everyone for the reality check. I was really spiraling about this and you've all helped put things in perspective.

The definition of 'suitable work' is pretty specific and includes factors like wages, working conditions, and your skills/experience. You're not required to take just any job, regardless of unemployment rates.

Good to know. I haven't actually gotten any offers yet so it's not an issue at the moment.

Okay that settles it, I'm definitely going to try Claimyr. Three people recommending it can't be wrong.