


Ask the community...
Has anyone used the Claimyr service mentioned earlier? I'm curious if it's worth it for just getting benefit amount questions answered or if it's mainly for people with more complex issues.
I used it for a simple question about my weekly benefit calculation and it was totally worth it. Got through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending hours trying to call. The agent was really helpful and patient with my questions.
Just remember that your weekly benefit amount is before taxes. If you elect to have federal taxes withheld, your actual deposit will be 10% less. State taxes aren't withheld from unemployment benefits in Washington since there's no state income tax.
I'm dealing with Washington ESD right now and honestly I don't care what the unemployment rate is, I just want to know when my claim will be approved! Been waiting 3 weeks for adjudication to finish.
3 weeks is frustrating but not unusual for adjudication. If you need to check on the status, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier is really helpful for getting through to someone who can actually look at your case.
Thanks everyone for all the info! I think I have a better understanding now. Sounds like the unemployment rate is around 4% give or take, but it doesn't really change how I should approach filing for benefits. I'll focus on making sure I meet the requirements and keep good job search records.
This thread convinced me to finally start documenting issues at my job. Been dealing with harassment for months but never wrote anything down. Better late than never I guess!
Thanks OP for asking this question! I learned so much from everyone's responses. Feel way more prepared to handle workplace issues knowing what my options are.
If you have questions about your specific situation, there's also a live chat feature on the Washington ESD website during business hours. Not as good as talking to someone on the phone, but often faster than waiting for an email response.
Last piece of advice - be patient but persistent. The unemployment system is overloaded and understaffed, so things take time. Keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still pending, keep looking for work, and keep detailed records of everything. It will eventually get sorted out.
Samantha Johnson
Remember that even if a claim gets charged to your account, it doesn't necessarily mean you did anything wrong. Sometimes people get laid off due to economic reasons, business closure, lack of work, etc. Those are legitimate reasons for unemployment benefits and the system is working as intended. It's the fraudulent or improper claims you want to contest.
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Charlie Yang
•That's a good perspective. I guess I was thinking any claim would be bad, but you're right that sometimes it's just the nature of business.
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Samantha Johnson
•Exactly. The unemployment system is insurance for both employees and employers. Sometimes you pay claims, sometimes you don't, but overall it provides stability to the workforce.
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Nick Kravitz
Last thing I'll add - keep track of your quarterly wage reports and tax payments. Make sure you're reporting wages accurately and paying on time. Penalties for late reporting or payment can add up quickly, and you need accurate wage records for the experience rating calculation. Also, if you ever have questions about a specific claim, that Claimyr service really does work well for getting through to ESD agents when the regular phone lines are jammed.
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Charlie Yang
•This has all been incredibly helpful. I feel much more prepared to handle the employer side of unemployment now. Thanks everyone!
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Nick Kravitz
•You're welcome! It seems complicated at first but once you get the hang of it, it becomes routine. Good luck with your new business!
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