FOR EMPLOYEES USING PTO/SICK TIME & UNEMPLOYMENT
We wanted to provide you an update as we learn new information regarding the unemployment process in both Oregon and Washington and how using PTO/sick time can effect it.
When we first communicated that PTO/sick time could be used before going on unemployment standby, we thought that unemployment claims could not be started until after you were no longer being paid via PTO/sick time. We now know that your unemployment claim can and should be started very soon after your last day physically worked regardless of if you are using PTO/sick time or not.
When you file your claim, you will be asked to declare any wages you have received, this is where you will indicate any PTO/sick time you have already received after your last day worked. In addition to your initial unemployment claim, you will also file a weekly claim and should declare any PTO/sick time hours you were paid within that week.
If you were waiting to file your claim until you used your PTO/sick time, we advise that you file it now to avoid any future delays in receiving your unemployment benefits. It’s especially important if you are filing in Oregon to not wait to file because the first week after you file is considered a “waiting week” and you will not be paid for this week but could use PTO/sick time during this time. In Washington, there is no waiting week but we still advise to file now even if you are using PTO/sick time.
We understand this is different then what you may have been told in the beginning and you may be wondering how this impacts you. If you have questions about your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to you HR team at HR@cohoserv.com or 503-425-1507.
