How do I file for weekly unemployment claims while out of the country? for Questionland Seattle

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How do I file for weekly unemployment claims while out of the country?

I am currently on unemployment and am taking a trip out of the country for three weeks. Do I have to let my claim lapse and re-file for unemployment when I get back? I can't really meet all the job-search requirements overseas so I can't collect benefits obviously, but I'd rather not let my claim lapse. What do I do?

tournant asked in Other - Finance & Legal 11 months ago | Report

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st. clair de la lune

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Just file and state that you were not available for work that week. You won't get a benefit check but you'll stay in the system. I think it asks for additional information, where you will say what you just said above. I took a week off while on bennies (like you, planned and paid for before my employer folded) and it wasn't a big deal. I also kept my claim open when I started a new job; they gave me the difference between my training wages and benefit amount for a couple weeks, fwiw.

Re:unemployment benefits in general, remember that YOU paid for them out of money YOU already earned and gave to the government in the event that something like this happens. You have every right to them if you lose your job through no fault of your own. It is called "employment security" for a reason, and it's no one's business how you are spending your time off work as long as you're complying with WorkSource-mandated activities (job search log, seminars, truthfully reporting your availability for work, etc.).

Moral of the story: keep your claim open, even if you collect no money, until you are gainfully employed again. And have fun on your trip!

st. clair de la lune answered in Other - Finance & Legal 11 months ago | Report

2 comments by tournant and RacerX…

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Of course! I didn't even think of answering the questions differently because of my fear that not answering them in the way i'm accustomed to makes the benefit gods angry! Thanks!

tournant commented 11 months ago | Report

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god damn I hate those benefits gods. having to sacrifice a burning effigy of REASON to them every week gets old.

RacerX commented 7 months ago | Report

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Sigh. As a taxpayer, I feel compelled to admonish you that if you have the funds for a three week overseas vacation, maybe you shouldn't be drawing unemployment.

But, I don't want to be a dick, so I won't.

Oops, too late.

Seriously though, the internet is on computers now. Unless you are going to Zamunda you should be able to spend a few hours a week looking at job opportunities on the internet, filing applications electronically and recording your activities with the State via computer.

I have a good buddy who was on unemployment for a long, LONG time and he did it all by computer.

soundslikepuget answered in Other - Finance & Legal 11 months ago | Report

3 comments by Jon, tournant, and soundslikepuget…

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You can't file your weekly claim unless you were immediately available to work in that week.

Jon commented 11 months ago | Report

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fyi, the trip is a gift, planned and paid for before my unemployment. I cannot afford it with out help from family. The plane ticket is unrefundable and unflexible.
And what Jon said. They can ask you to attend a "training seminar" at anytime, which you are notified about by mail. Failure to attend fucks up your eligibiliy for future unemployment.

tournant commented 11 months ago | Report

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@Jon, I did not know that. Good information, thank you for adding that.

@tournant, sorry I don't mean to be a dick. I'm sorry you find yourself unemployed. I trust you might understand how it looks bad, though. Hope you find gainful employment soon. Take care.

soundslikepuget commented 11 months ago | Report

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Also, just so you know: 9,000 people are being collected upon recuperate unemployment wages because they weren't actively seeking work (including one lady for going to Texas while collecting).

It doesn't answer your question, but it does let you know you could get possibly get your wages garnished or even sued if caught.

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/9-000-people-busted-for-not-seeking-work-while-on-1403424.php

Chris Coronado answered in Other - Finance & Legal 11 months ago | Report

2 comments by tournant and Chris Coronado…

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i'm not trying to collect benefits while on vacation, i'm just trying to stay in the system while i'm gone. Re-enrolling is a huge pain plus you have another waiting week. This is what i'm trying to avoid.

tournant commented 11 months ago | Report

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Well, given that you headlined your question with "How do I file for weekly unemployment claims while out of the country?" I'm sure you'll forgive me for assuming you're trying to file for benefits while you're out of the country.

I understand your dilemma; but, I can't answer that question. I was just giving you the heads up that the government may seek you out if you do file for claims while out of the country and not seeking jobs.

Chris Coronado commented 11 months ago | Report

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