Will seasonal work affect my UI benefits when the job ends in fall?

ur gonna have issues for sure... my gf took a temp job last summer and then couldnt get benefits after bc they said she 'voluntarily quit' even tho it was SEASONAL!!! esd doesnt care if jobs r temp they just see it as u quitting

There's a lot of misinformation out there about seasonal work and UI. Here's the accurate information: When you accept a seasonal job, make sure you have documentation showing it's a temporary position with a predefined end date. When the seasonal work ends, you can reopen your existing claim IF you're still within your benefit year (which lasts 52 weeks from when you first applied). You'll need to report that the job ended due to 'lack of work' not because you quit. Your weekly benefit amount may be recalculated based on your more recent earnings. Be aware that if your seasonal job is enough to eliminate your partial benefits completely, you won't be able to collect during the season but can resume when it ends. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even if you're making too much to receive benefits - this keeps your claim active.

I had almost exactly this situation last year! Took a seasonal warehouse job that lasted 4 months while on UI. When I started, my benefits stopped because I was earning too much, but I KEPT FILING EVERY WEEK (this is crucial!!). When the season ended, I just indicated on my weekly claim that my hours were reduced to zero due to lack of work. My benefits restarted within a week. However, I did get a confusing letter about possible adjudication that scared me, but nothing came of it. The most important thing is getting in writing from your employer that this is seasonal/temporary with a specific end date. Ask for this in writing before you start!

Have you tried calling the ESD directly to ask? This is a pretty specific situation and you don't want to rely on potentially wrong advice from random people online. Their rules change sometimes too.

If you've been trying to reach ESD without success, you might want to try Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last month - needed to speak with an actual ESD agent about my seasonal work and couldn't get through after days of trying. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent within 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 About your actual question - the agent I spoke with confirmed that seasonal work with a defined end date does NOT disqualify you from reopening your claim. The key is documenting that the position was always intended to be temporary and that you didn't quit. Your benefit year continues regardless of the temporary work.

I'm an employment counselor, and I can clarify this situation. Under ESD rules, accepting seasonal work doesn't disqualify you from resuming benefits when that work ends, provided: 1. You're still within your benefit year 2. The job truly ended due to lack of work (seasonal completion) 3. You've continued to file weekly claims even during periods of full employment 4. You have documentation proving the seasonal nature of the position When the seasonal position ends, you simply report your hours reduced to zero on your weekly claim and indicate "lack of work" as the reason. Your benefits should resume automatically, though there may be a brief review period. One important note: If your seasonal job lasts longer than 3 months, you might see a recalculation of your weekly benefit amount based on those earnings. This could either increase or decrease your benefit amount depending on how your seasonal wages compare to your previous base year earnings.

Regarding your questions: 1. Job search requirements: When you're working full-time hours (32+ hours/week) and not receiving UI benefits, you are NOT required to conduct job searches. However, in weeks where your hours drop below full-time and you receive partial benefits, you would need to complete and document your 3 job search activities. 2. Documentation: Yes, an offer letter that explicitly states the temporary/seasonal nature and end date is ideal. If your offer letter doesn't include this information, request an email confirmation from HR or your manager that clearly states the position is seasonal with the expected end date. Save this documentation - it will be crucial if your claim gets flagged for review when the seasonal work ends.

LOL everyone here giving different answers just shows how messed up the unemployment system is! I've been through 3 different claims and gotten 3 different outcomes from ESD for basically the same situation each time. It all depends which agent reviews your case and what mood they're in that day 🙄 But seriously, just make sure EVERYTHING is documented. Save emails, take screenshots, get the seasonal nature in writing. When your seasonal job ends, you might get put in adjudication anyway (I did), but if you have documentation you'll eventually get approved.

I'm in a similar boat - currently on partial UI while working part-time and considering a seasonal hospitality job for the summer. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the key is really getting that documentation upfront and continuing to file weekly claims even when you're not receiving benefits. @Gabrielle - one thing I'd add is maybe ask your seasonal employer if they can specify in writing not just that it's seasonal, but also mention something like "position will end due to conclusion of tourist season" or whatever applies to your situation. That way it's crystal clear it's ending due to lack of work rather than any performance issues. Also, even though calling ESD is a nightmare, you might want to try the online messaging system through your eServices account. I've had better luck getting responses that way, though it can take a few days. At least you'll have their answer in writing if you do decide to take the seasonal position. Good luck with whatever you decide! That tour guide job sounds like it could be fun while you're job hunting for something permanent in marketing.