Self Employment is an interesting option if you are unemployed. Great idea! But I don’t have the cash to finance a business or the training and know-how to make it work, you may say.

If the previous paragraph describes your situation, the Washington Employment Security Department’s Self-Employment Assistance Program might be the way to go for you.

This two-article series will provide you with detailed information on what the Self-Employment Assistance program is, how it can  help unemployed workers create their own job, what eligibility requirements you must meet and what free training programs are provided to help increase your chances of starting a successful business.

The Program

The Self-Employment Assistance Program started in Washington in 2007, when congress passed law RCW. 50.20.250, which gives unemployed workers that have been profiles as likely to exhaust their benefits to enroll in self-employment training programs while receiving benefits.

You can only apply for this program if you are selected by the Employment Security Department. If you are selected, you will receive a letter after you file your first weekly benefits. Note that you must available to start work at any time if you are claiming unemployment benefits. If you wish to study full time while receiving unemployment insurance you must be enrolled in an approved training program or you will be disqualified from receiving benefits.

How Does The Profiling Work?

To qualify for the Self-Employment Assistance Program you must score 30 or more on the program’s profiling test. The test determines your score based upon your education level, the county you live in, your main trade or occupation, the industry you work in and the unemployment rate in your region.

The purpose of the profiling test is to select unemployed workers who are unlikely to find work before their unemployment benefits are exhausted.

You can apply for this program even if you do not receive the necessary score, but the chances are your application will be denied.

This program is closely linked to the Commissioner-Approved Training program, which also provides agency-approved training but is not focused on self-employment training courses.

However, if you are interested in the program, did not qualify for it but you believe there are reasons why an exception should be made with you, you can contact the Washington Employment Security Department at 1-877-600-7701 and explain your reasons.

Our next article will provide more information on the eligibility requirements for the program and the training providers included in the program.

If you are applying for unemployment benefits for the firs time, you are likely to have plenty of questions. The same applies if you running out of regular Washington unemployment benefits and will need to apply for Emergency Unemployment Compensation, EUC. If you have run out of your EUC benefits you will certainly have questions about the Extended Benefits, EB, the last resort for long term unemployed workers. This article aims to tackle some of the most popular questions we receive and provide contact details for the official agencies and officers in charge of the program. Often, Washington ESD officers are the only ones who can provide answers for “special circumstances” questions you may have.

Regular Unemployment Claims

This is the basic Washington unemployment benefits you first apply for. If you qualify you will receive between 13 and 26 weeks of UI. Here are some questions our readers often ask:

- Can I still receive benefits from Washington UI if I move state? Yes, you can. Washington State will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you qualify. You will need to file for a change of address. You can do this online (click here)  or by calling 800 318 6022. However, you WILL need to register for work in your area in order to qualify for UI benefits. You can find out where your nearest employment center is here.

On the other hand, if you did not work in Washington during the last year, you cannot file for unemployment in Washington. The only exception is if you previously worked in the military or for the federal government.

- I did not receive a reply on my claim. What do I do? If you do not receive a decision on your claim within two weeks call  800-318-6022, TTY 800-365-8969

- Can I backdate my UI claims? Yes, but only over the phone. You cannot do it online. Call 800-318-6022, TTY 800-365-8969 and explain your situation.

- Who can I call if I disagree with a benefits decision? You must appeal in writing. Send your appeal by fax to 800 301 6022 or by mail to Telecenter Appeals, P.O Box 19018, Olympia, WA 98507.

EUC and EB Claims

The process to apply for EUC and EB is slightly different from regular benefits. In both the Emergency Unemployment Compensation and the Extended Benefits the Washington Employment Security Department will send you a paper form to fill in as you approach the end of your benefits allowance. Nevertheless, if you do not receive the paper application before your benefits end you can pick one up at your local WorkSource office or call 877 558 8509

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