I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! Just got a job offer last week and I have about $4,200 left on my claim with only 3 weeks remaining in my benefit year. It's such a mixed feeling - obviously thrilled to be employed again, but it does sting to think about that unused money just vanishing. Reading everyone's responses here has been really eye-opening though. I had no idea that each benefit year was completely separate or that there was absolutely no way to carry over unused benefits. I guess I was hoping there might be some kind of rollover option like with health savings accounts or something. It's frustrating but I'm trying to focus on the bigger picture - I'm back to work and building up my earnings history again, which will help if I ever need to file a future claim. Thanks for starting this discussion, Malik - it's been really helpful to see I'm not alone in this situation!

I'm actually going through this exact same situation right now! I have about $2,100 left on my claim and my benefit year ends next Friday. I just accepted a job offer that starts Monday, so I know I won't be able to use those remaining benefits. It's honestly pretty frustrating to think about that money just disappearing into the system, especially when I've been contributing to unemployment insurance for over a decade. But after reading through all these responses, I'm starting to understand that this is just how the system works - each benefit year is separate and there's absolutely no way to carry over unused amounts. I guess I should focus on being grateful that I found work before completely exhausting my benefits, and that the system provided the safety net I needed during my job search. Still stings a little though! Thanks for asking this question - it's been really helpful to see so many others in similar situations.

I've been doing seasonal forestry work (wildfire suppression in summer, tree planting in spring) for about 4 years and wanted to add something important that hasn't been covered much - the mental health aspect of cycling through unemployment claims. The constant uncertainty of income and having to prove you're "worthy" of benefits every week can be really draining, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of irregular seasonal employment. What's helped me is treating the unemployment filing process as just another part of my seasonal routine, like preparing gear for the next season. I set aside specific time each week for job searches and claim filing so it doesn't feel overwhelming. Also, connecting with other seasonal workers (like in communities like this) has been invaluable for both practical advice and emotional support. The system definitely works for us, but it's okay to acknowledge that the bureaucracy can be exhausting even when you're following all the rules correctly. Don't let the stress of the process make you feel like you're doing something wrong - seasonal workers absolutely deserve these benefits.

I'm new to seasonal work and this entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I just got my first seasonal job doing landscaping and tree care, and I was really stressed about what happens during the winter months when work slows down. Reading everyone's experiences has given me so much clarity on how Washington ESD handles seasonal unemployment. It sounds like the key is being organized from the start - keeping detailed records, being transparent about your work pattern, and understanding that you'll need to do genuine job searches even if you're hoping to return to seasonal work. I'm definitely going to start that documentation folder system that several people mentioned and look into that Claimyr service if I need to actually speak with someone. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences - knowing that so many people successfully navigate this system makes me feel much more confident about my first off-season filing!

I went through this exact same frustration last year and want to share what finally worked for me. You're right that there are no walk-in ESD offices anymore, but I found a few things that actually helped: **What worked best for me:** 1. **Legislative help** - I contacted my state rep's office and they have staff specifically trained to handle ESD cases. They were able to get my adjudication moving within days after I'd been stuck for 7 weeks. 2. **ESD Executive Services** - There's a separate number for escalated cases: (360) 902-9500. Ask to speak with someone in Executive Services if your claim has been in adjudication over 4 weeks. 3. **WorkSource limitation workaround** - While WorkSource can't fix claims directly, some locations have "navigator" staff who know the ESD system better and can help you craft more effective eServices messages or identify what documentation might be missing from your file. **For the Tacoma area specifically:** The WorkSource at 2121 S State St has been more helpful than others I've tried. Ask for a "benefits navigator" if available. Don't give up - 5 weeks in adjudication is definitely grounds for escalation. The system is designed poorly, but there are people within it who can help if you reach the right ones. Document every interaction and keep pushing through multiple channels simultaneously.

I went through a similar 6-week adjudication nightmare last fall and want to share what finally broke it loose. Since you're in Tacoma, here's what I'd recommend trying simultaneously: **Most effective approach:** Contact Rep. Mari Leavey's office at (360) 786-7896. Her constituent services staff (ask for Sarah) handle ESD cases regularly and have direct lines into the system that bypass normal channels. They got my case moving in 3 business days after weeks of getting nowhere. **Secondary backup:** Call the ESD Ombuds line at (360) 902-9000 and file a formal complaint about the delay. They track these and can sometimes expedite cases that have been stuck unreasonably long. **Local resource:** The Tacoma WorkSource at 2121 S State St has a benefits specialist named Mike who actually knows the ESD system well (unlike most WorkSource staff). He can't fix your claim directly but can help you identify what specific documentation or clarification might be missing that's holding up your adjudication. **Important:** Keep filing your weekly claims even while stuck in adjudication! I almost missed out on 6 weeks of back pay because I stopped filing thinking my claim was "paused." The system is absolutely broken, but these specific contacts have helped multiple people I know get unstuck. Don't give up - 5 weeks is definitely long enough to escalate through multiple channels. Good luck!

Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here. Going through unemployment is stressful enough without having to worry about basic necessities like food. It's good to know there are options and that the systems can work together to help people get back on their feet.

Just wanted to share my recent experience - I applied for SNAP while on Washington ESD unemployment about 3 months ago and it's been a huge help. My weekly UI benefit is $380 and I was approved for $194/month in SNAP benefits as a single person household. The application process was straightforward once I had all my documents ready (unemployment determination letter, bank statements, lease agreement). The phone interview was actually pretty quick - maybe 15 minutes. One tip: make sure to keep copies of everything you submit because they might ask for the same documents again later if anything changes with your case. Don't let pride get in the way of getting help you're entitled to!

I'm new to this whole unemployment + gig work situation and this thread has been super helpful! I just started doing Instacart deliveries while on partial UI benefits and was totally confused about the reporting. Based on what everyone is saying, it sounds like I should be tracking my mileage, keeping gas receipts, and calculating my net earnings each week rather than just reporting what Instacart pays me before their fees. Quick question - for mileage, do I track from my house to the store and back, or just the delivery portion? And do I need to use a special app or is writing it down enough for ESD's purposes? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's way more helpful than the vague info on the ESD website!

This is such a confusing topic and honestly ESD's guidance could be way clearer! I've been doing Uber Eats while on partial UI for about 3 months now and went through this exact same confusion. After reading through everyone's responses and doing my own research, here's what I've learned: You should report NET income for self-employment/gig work, BUT make sure you're only deducting legitimate business expenses that are directly related to earning that income. For Uber, this includes: - Uber's commission/fees (already deducted from what they pay you) - Gas for work miles only - Mileage deduction (I use the IRS standard rate) - Car maintenance proportional to work usage - Phone bill percentage if you use it for work What I do is track everything in a simple spreadsheet each week - gross earnings, total miles driven for work, gas purchased, any maintenance, etc. Then I calculate my net weekly profit and that's what I report to ESD. The key is being consistent and keeping detailed records. I take photos of all my gas receipts and use an app to track mileage automatically. Better safe than sorry if they ever want to review your calculations! One thing to note - don't deduct personal expenses or things like regular car insurance since you'd have those costs anyway. Only deduct the ADDITIONAL costs directly related to doing the gig work.