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Bottom line - once Washington ESD deposits your weekly unemployment payment, it's your money to spend on whatever you need. No restrictions, no monitoring, no receipts required. Just make sure you're still meeting your job search requirements and reporting any income you earn.
Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this same worry when I first started receiving benefits. I actually called Washington ESD directly (took forever to get through) and the agent laughed when I asked about spending restrictions. She said "honey, it's your money once we send it - we don't care if you buy groceries or get a haircut." Really put my mind at ease. The only thing they track is whether you're eligible to receive the benefits in the first place and that you're doing your job searches. Once that money hits your account, spend it on whatever you need to get by!
So glad you got this resolved! This is a perfect example of why this community is so valuable - everyone jumped in with practical advice and you were able to fix the situation quickly. I've bookmarked this thread because the tips about documenting calls, checking spam folders, and setting multiple calendar reminders are gold. The system definitely has its quirks, but it's reassuring to see that WorkSource staff do understand when technical issues happen on their end. Hope your rescheduled appointment goes smoothly!
This whole thread has been such a learning experience! I'm also new to dealing with WorkSource requirements and was honestly pretty anxious about missing something important. Seeing how everyone rallied to help @Sophia Russo and all the practical tips shared here makes me feel much more prepared. The advice about setting multiple reminders, checking contact info, and keeping documentation seems like it should be standard practice. Really appreciate communities like this where people actually help each other navigate these complex systems!
This is such a relief to read through! I'm currently dealing with my first WorkSource appointment next week and was already stressed about potentially missing something. Your experience really highlights how important it is to be proactive - I'm definitely going to follow @Mia Roberts' advice about setting multiple calendar reminders and checking my account well in advance. It's also reassuring to know that when genuine technical issues happen, the staff are understanding if you can document your efforts. Thanks for sharing your experience and the resolution - this thread is going to be my reference guide for navigating WorkSource requirements!
just wondering - did u try getting hired back at the same place b4 applying for benefits? might be faster just to go back to work if they'll take u
Update on my situation - I called ESD this morning using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and it actually worked! Got through to an agent in about 10 minutes who explained that since I'm now medically cleared to work (even with some restrictions), I should apply for regular unemployment instead of TTD. She said I might still qualify since I have a good reason for leaving my last job (child's medical needs is considered good cause in some cases). Going to file my application today and see what happens. Just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else!
Thank you so much for updating us! That's really helpful information. I'm going to try the same thing. Did you have to explain that you're applying to positions at your former employer? I wonder if that affects anything.
@Philip Cowan That s'great that you got through so quickly! I didn t'even know that service existed. For your question about mentioning applications to former employers - the agent told me that you just need to report your job search activities honestly in your weekly claims. As long as you re'actively looking for work which (you clearly are with three applications ,)that s'what matters. The fact that some are with your former employer actually shows you re'being proactive about finding suitable work. Good luck with your application!
I'm dealing with something very similar - been stuck in adjudication for 8 weeks now and getting different answers every time I call. The suggestion about contacting your state representative's office is brilliant and something I hadn't considered. I'm also going to try that Claimyr service that several people mentioned since it seems like actually getting through to someone who can access your file is half the battle. It's frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but I appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them rather than just venting. Going to start with the ombudsman program and my legislator's office tomorrow and will report back on what helps move things along.
I'm in the exact same boat - 7 weeks in adjudication and completely frustrated with the inconsistent information from Washington ESD reps. Reading through all these suggestions has been incredibly helpful though. I think the combination approach makes sense: try the ombudsman first since it's free and designed specifically for these issues, then escalate to your state representative's office if that doesn't work. The Claimyr service also sounds promising for actually getting through to someone who can see what's really going on with your case. It's ridiculous that we have to become experts in navigating bureaucracy just to get our unemployment benefits, but at least now I have a clear action plan. Thanks for saying you'll report back - I'll do the same once I try these approaches!
I'm going through this exact same situation right now - 6 weeks in adjudication with Washington ESD and getting completely different stories every time I manage to get someone on the phone. The stress is unreal when you're trying to pay bills and they keep giving you the runaround. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both validating and helpful. I'm definitely going to try the legislative route first since multiple people have said that actually gets results within days rather than months. The fact that state representatives have dedicated caseworkers for unemployment issues is news to me but makes total sense given the volume of problems people are having. Also planning to try the ombudsman program and that Claimyr service if the legislative approach doesn't pan out. It's absolutely maddening that we have to become experts in bureaucratic navigation just to access benefits we're legally entitled to, but I appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked rather than just complaining. Will definitely update this thread once I make some progress - hopefully we can build a resource here for others dealing with the same nightmare.
Yuki Tanaka
Bottom line - yes your unemployment counts as income but don't let that stop you from applying. I qualified for $180/month in SNAP benefits while receiving Washington ESD unemployment and it made a huge difference.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm definitely going to apply now. Sounds like I have a good chance of qualifying for something.
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Carmen Diaz
•Good luck! The application process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started.
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Zara Rashid
Just wanted to add that you can apply for SNAP online through the Washington Connection portal, which is much easier than going to a DSHS office in person. The online application walks you through everything step by step and you can upload your Washington ESD documents directly. I found it way less intimidating than I expected, and you can save your progress if you need to gather more paperwork.
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Samantha Johnson
•That's really helpful to know about the online portal! I was dreading having to go to an office in person. Being able to upload my Washington ESD documents directly sounds much more convenient. Thanks for the tip about being able to save progress too - I'll probably need that since I'm still gathering all my paperwork.
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