Washington ESD claim approved but still searching - is this considered voluntary unemployment?

This is called 'frictional unemployment' - it's when people are temporarily unemployed while searching for jobs that match their skills and preferences. Washington ESD understands this is normal, but you do need to be able and available for suitable work. The key is documenting that you're actively searching and not turning down suitable positions.

You should be fine as long as you're meeting the job search requirements. I went through something similar last year - turned down 3 jobs that were clearly not suitable matches. Washington ESD never questioned it because I was documenting everything properly in my weekly claims.

I had trouble reaching Washington ESD when I had questions about this exact situation. Spent hours calling and either got busy signals or hung up on. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Really saved me a lot of frustration.

wait so you can just turn down jobs and still get benefits?? i thought you had to take any job offer or they cut you off. this is confusing

The term you're looking for is definitely frictional unemployment. It's actually considered healthy for the economy because it allows workers to find jobs that match their skills better. Just make sure you're not being overly selective - Washington ESD does monitor for that.

I'm in a similar boat - been on Washington ESD for 2 months and turned down one job that was a 60% pay cut. Scared they'll think I'm being picky but the job literally wouldn't cover my mortgage. This whole system makes you feel guilty for having standards.

Frictional unemployment is the technical term, but practically speaking Washington ESD just cares that you're genuinely looking for work and available to take suitable positions. Document everything and you'll be fine. The bigger issue is usually getting through to them when you have questions!

been unemployed for 4 months now and turned down maybe 6-7 jobs that were completely wrong for my field. never had any issues with washington esd as long as i kept applying to other jobs. the key is showing youre actively searching

There's also structural unemployment and cyclical unemployment but frictional is definitely what you're describing. It's temporary unemployment while transitioning between jobs by choice.

Washington ESD actually expects some level of frictional unemployment - it's built into how they calculate benefit eligibility and duration. You're not gaming the system by taking time to find appropriate work.

Just be careful about how you phrase things in your weekly claims. I got flagged once for saying I was 'waiting for the right opportunity' instead of 'actively seeking suitable employment.' Same thing but different perception.

The Washington ESD handbook has specific guidelines about suitable work definitions. Usually it's based on your previous wage, commute distance, and skill level. Worth reading if you're worried about benefit eligibility.

I tried using one of those callback services someone mentioned earlier - Claimyr I think? Actually worked great for getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about suitable work requirements. Saved me hours of calling.

FRICTIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT is the answer to your question. It's literally in every economics textbook. People taking time between jobs to find better matches.

Your situation sounds totally normal for frictional unemployment. Keep documenting your job search activities and you should be fine. The fact that you're worried about it shows you're taking the requirements seriously.

One more thing - if Washington ESD does question any of your job refusals, you can appeal their decision. But based on what you described, it sounds like you had legitimate reasons for turning those jobs down.

been following this thread and learned something new today! didnt know there was a specific term for job searching unemployment. thought it was just called being unemployed lol

Bottom line - frictional unemployment is normal and expected. Washington ESD knows people need time to find appropriate jobs. Just keep documenting your search efforts and you'll be fine.

If you need to talk to Washington ESD about any of this stuff, I'd recommend trying that Claimyr service people mentioned. Made a huge difference when I needed to get clarification on my claim status.

Great question and great responses! Shows how helpful this community can be for navigating Washington ESD issues. Frictional unemployment is definitely the term you were looking for.