Will taking a 13-week temp job affect my ESD benefits after company closure?

I went through something similar last year when my manufacturing job closed down. Here's what I learned: 1. Yes, you CAN still qualify for unemployment after a temp job ends! When the temp position finishes, you basically reactivate your existing claim. Your benefit amount stays based on your original base year earnings. 2. About turning down the job - location CAN be valid reason to decline, BUT there's a specific distance threshold ESD considers "reasonable commute" (I think around 25 miles one way). Since you're at 35 miles, you're in a gray area. Might depend on your industry norms and if public transit is available. Personally, I took the temp job in my situation and it actually led to permanent work! But everyone's situation is different.

Watch out - the commute distance itself might not be enough to refuse work without penalty. ESD typically considers jobs within 1 hour commute time as "suitable work" regardless of exact mileage. They also look at the typical commute distance for your occupation. If most people in your field typically commute 30+ miles, then 35 miles won't be considered unsuitable. If you do refuse, document EVERYTHING. Write down who you spoke with, all details about the job offer, and exactly why you're declining. You might need this if ESD questions your refusal.

As someone who works in HR, I'd actually recommend taking the temp position if you can manage the commute. Here's why: 1) You'll earn more than unemployment would pay (most likely) 2) The experience keeps your resume gap-free 3) You maintain work connections/references 4) When the temp job ends, you can still apply for unemployment 5) The temp agency might find you another position after The "suitable work" question is tricky. ESD makes case-by-case determinations. 35 miles is definitely borderline - some adjudicators would approve your refusal, others might deny it. It's a gamble.

My sister went through the EXACT same situation in 2025!!!! She took the temp job (it was actually only 10 weeks for her) and when it ended, she went right back on unemployment NO PROBLEM. She just had to reopen her claim on eServices and answer a few questions about why the temp job ended. DON'T WORRY - taking temp work won't hurt your original claim! In fact, if the temp job pays more than your previous job, it might even INCREASE your weekly benefit amount later!

Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask about your specific situation? These questions are exactly the type where getting an official answer matters, since your benefits could be affected. I spent days trying to get through to ESD last month when I had a similar question. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an ESD agent without the endless busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I talked to explained that temp work doesn't disqualify you from your original claim. When the temp job ends, you just reopen your claim. But for the commute question, they said a lot depends on your specific circumstances, so that's definitely worth asking about directly.

ok everyone is overthinking this. just take the temp job, make some money, then go back on unemployment when it ends. ESD doesn't care that u worked somewhere else for a few months. they just look at if you have enough hours in your base year, which you already said you do from the 5yr job. also, if you turn down the job, just don't tell ESD about it when you file lol. how would they even know unless the employer reports it? most employers don't bother reporting job offer rejections to ESD.

One thing no one has mentioned: if you take the temp job, make sure you understand if it's W-2 employment or 1099 contract work. This makes a big difference for your unemployment eligibility after it ends. With W-2 employment, you'll be able to reopen your existing claim or file a new one when the temp job ends. With 1099 work, it gets complicated. Self-employment income doesn't count toward unemployment eligibility, but you're still required to report any income while claiming benefits. This could reduce your weekly benefit amount during the 13 weeks but wouldn't impact your ability to claim full benefits after the contract ends.

After struggling with the ESD phone lines for weeks, I finally got through last month and asked this exact question about temp work. The agent told me that taking temporary work is actually ENCOURAGED by ESD and will not negatively impact your existing claim. When the temp job ends, you'll need to reopen your claim. The claims agent will ask if you're still unemployed through no fault of your own, and a scheduled end to temporary work fits that criteria perfectly. Regarding the commute - the agent said they consider reasonable commutes to be up to 1 hour one-way in the first 8 weeks of unemployment, then up to 30 minutes after that. So timing matters too!

i think ur overthinking this. if the temp job pays ok just take it. they might even hire u permanent if u do good. unemployment is only like max $1100 a week anyway and dealing with esd is SUCH a pain!!