Another thing to keep in mind - if you're still having trouble after trying the online reset, make sure you're not mixing up your old PIN with a temporary one. Sometimes when you reset it, the system gives you a temporary PIN that you have to change to a permanent one on first login. I got confused by this and kept trying to use the temporary one after I had already changed it. Check your email for any confirmation messages from ESD that might have additional instructions.

One more tip that saved me recently - if you've moved since you first filed your unemployment claim, make sure you're using the address that was on file when you originally applied, not your current address. I kept getting locked out during the PIN reset process because I was entering my new ZIP code, but the system was still expecting my old one from when I first set up the account. Once I used the original address info, the reset went through smoothly. Also, if you've changed your phone number, you might need to update that with ESD before the security questions will work properly.

This thread is super helpful! I'm new to unemployment claims and had no idea that recruiter interactions counted as job search activities. I've been stressing about finding enough applications to submit each week, but I actually had two recruiter calls last month that I didn't even think to log. One was through LinkedIn where a recruiter reached out about a marketing coordinator position, and another was a cold call about temp-to-perm opportunities in my field. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like I should have documented both of these. Going forward, I'll definitely keep better records and ask for all the contact details you've mentioned. Thanks for sharing your experiences - this has been way more informative than the official ESD resources!

Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here! I'm currently job searching and have been tracking recruiter interactions, but I wasn't sure about the level of detail needed. Based on what I'm reading, it sounds like I need to be much more thorough with my documentation. I've had a few phone screens with staffing agencies recently where they asked about my background and availability for various roles, but I only wrote down basic info like the company name and date. Sounds like I should be capturing the recruiter's direct contact, specific positions discussed, and any follow-up plans. This thread has definitely opened my eyes to how many legitimate activities I might have been under-documenting. Thanks for all the practical tips - especially about asking for job req numbers and treating follow-up emails as separate networking activities!

Bottom line - workers comp and unemployment serve different purposes but you can potentially qualify for both in sequence. Workers comp covers you while you're injured and unable to work. Unemployment covers you when you're able to work but can't find a job. The transition point is when you're medically cleared but your employer can't accommodate your return. Just be honest, document everything, and be prepared for the adjudication process to take some time.

I went through something very similar about 18 months ago after a shoulder injury. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here is to make sure you understand the "waiting week" rules for Washington ESD. Even though you might be eligible for benefits, there's typically a one-week waiting period before payments start. Since you're transitioning from workers comp, this waiting week can feel especially long financially. Also, if you're still receiving any medical treatment related to your injury (like physical therapy), make sure that doesn't interfere with your availability for work requirements. Washington ESD will want to know your treatment schedule and how it might affect your ability to accept job offers. The key is showing you're genuinely available for full-time work within any medical restrictions you might have.

This has been super informative. I'm going to create a detailed spreadsheet for all my job search activities going forward and make sure I'm taking screenshots of everything. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

I just went through a work search verification last month and wanted to share my experience. They requested documentation for 6 weeks of job search activities and gave me 14 days to respond. The key things they wanted were: detailed job search log with dates, company names, positions applied for, and method of contact. They also asked for proof of 3 specific applications - I had to provide screenshots of application confirmations and contact info for the employers. The whole process took about 2 weeks after I submitted everything, but my benefits weren't interrupted. My advice is to treat every application like it might be audited - keep detailed records, take screenshots, and save any confirmation emails. It's way easier to be over-prepared than scrambling to recreate your job search history weeks later.

One more important thing: if you do file for partial unemployment while still working reduced hours, you need to accurately report your earnings each week. Calculate your gross earnings (before taxes) for each week according to when you actually worked, not when you got paid. Also, be aware there's a formula ESD uses - they don't just pay the difference between your old and new wages. They deduct 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit would be $400, and you earn $200 at your part-time job, they'd deduct $150 (75% of $200) from your benefit, leaving you with $250 in unemployment plus your $200 in wages.

I was in a very similar situation last year - went from 32 hours to 18 hours at a restaurant when they "restructured" the schedule. I filed for partial unemployment while still working and it was a lifesaver! The process was actually pretty straightforward once I got through to ESD. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of my old schedule vs. new schedule, and screenshots of my manager's text explaining the cuts were permanent due to budget issues. I also applied to at least 3 jobs every week to show I was actively seeking full-time work. The partial benefits bridged the gap until I found a better job about 6 weeks later. Looking back, I'm SO glad I didn't just quit outright - that would have been a huge financial mistake. Definitely file while you're still employed and let ESD work in your favor rather than against you!