Washington Unemployment
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Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Will you get Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired from your job?
I'm asking for a friend who might be getting terminated from their warehouse job next week. They've been having some performance issues and their supervisor has been documenting everything. If they do get fired, can they still collect unemployment benefits through Washington ESD? I know there are different rules depending on why you lose your job but I'm not sure what counts as 'misconduct' versus just not being good at the job. Anyone know how this works?
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When did the extra $600 for unemployment start and end in Washington ESD?
I'm trying to figure out the timeline for when Washington ESD was paying the extra $600 weekly benefit. My brother keeps saying he got it for months but I can't remember exactly when it started and stopped. I think it was sometime in 2020 but I need to know the exact dates for my tax records. Anyone remember the specific start and end dates for the federal supplement through Washington ESD?
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Just double-checked my records - first $600 FPUC payment was indeed April 4, 2020 week, last was July 25, 2020 week. Exactly 16 weeks total. Then nothing until LWA started up briefly in late summer.
Perfect, that confirms what others said. Thanks for double-checking!
16 weeks sounds right. Felt longer at the time but that's accurate.
The gap between the original $600 FPUC ending and LWA starting was rough. People went from getting the extra help to nothing for several weeks while Congress debated what to do next.
Yeah that gap was scary. You got used to the extra money then suddenly it was gone.
I remember budgeting around the $600 then having to scramble when it ended.
How long can I draw unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?
I just got laid off from my job at a manufacturing plant after 8 years and I'm trying to figure out how long I can collect unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. I've never had to file for UI before so I'm completely lost. I know there are time limits but I'm seeing different information online. Can someone explain how long unemployment benefits last in Washington state? I want to make sure I understand what I'm dealing with before I file my claim.
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The system is so backed up right now. took me 3 hours on hold last week just to ask a simple question about my claim. wish i knew about these alternative ways to get through earlier!
3 hours?? That's insane. I would have hung up after like 30 minutes.
I was desperate for an answer so I stuck it out. But yeah, definitely looking for better ways to contact them next time.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This thread has been really informative. Sounds like I should file my claim ASAP and plan on up to 26 weeks of benefits while I look for work. Much appreciated!
Don't forget to keep detailed records of your job search activities. You'll need to report them with your weekly claims.
Will do! I'll start keeping a log right away.
How to enroll unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - complete process?
I just got laid off from my manufacturing job yesterday and need to figure out how to enroll unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. I've never done this before and honestly have no idea where to start. Do I need to go somewhere in person or can I do it all online? What documents do I need to have ready? I'm really stressed about getting this done right since I have rent due in two weeks.
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Last thing - keep checking your account regularly after you file. Sometimes Washington ESD needs additional information and they'll send you messages through the online system. Don't ignore those or your claim could get delayed or denied.
Will they also send emails or letters, or just through the website?
They'll usually send important stuff by mail too, but the online messaging system is faster. Check both regularly.
Does child support come out of unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?
I just started receiving unemployment benefits through Washington ESD and I'm wondering if they automatically deduct child support from my weekly payments? I pay $350 a month in child support and want to make sure I budget correctly. Does anyone know if Washington ESD withholds child support directly from UI benefits or do I need to handle this separately?
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Just wanted to add that if your child support order changes while you're on unemployment, it can take a few weeks for Washington ESD to update their records. I had to call multiple times to get the new amount processed correctly.
How did you finally get through to someone who could help with that?
Honestly, I ended up using one of those callback services after weeks of trying. Sometimes you just need to get creative when the normal phone system isn't working.
Ryan Andre
Last thought - if your friend does get approved, they should set aside money for taxes. UI benefits are taxable income and it's easy to forget that when you're struggling financially.
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Alicia Stern
AuthorGreat point. I hadn't thought about the tax implications. I'll make sure they know about that.
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Lauren Zeb
Hope everything works out for your friend. Being fired is stressful enough without worrying about how you're going to pay bills. At least Washington ESD provides a safety net when it's not your fault.
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Alicia Stern
AuthorThanks for all the support everyone. This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring.
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