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The $999 maximum applies to regular unemployment insurance. If you're on standby status or other special programs, the calculation might be different. Most people are on regular UI though.
Thanks everyone for all the detailed info about maximum benefits. This thread has been way more helpful than the Washington ESD website for understanding how the calculations work.
Whatever you do, don't try to hide it or make up stories. Washington ESD investigators deal with this stuff all day and they can spot lies immediately. Honesty is your best policy here.
Final update: I used Claimyr and actually got through to Washington ESD today! The agent was understanding about it being an honest mistake. I have to pay back $1,847 in benefits plus a $369 penalty, but they're letting me do a payment plan. No criminal charges or anything. Thanks everyone for the advice and for not making me feel like a complete criminal.
Just want to add - make sure you keep doing your weekly claims even while you're job searching. I made the mistake of skipping a week and it messed up my payments for a month.
The bottom line is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. Employers pay premiums (taxes) and when claims are filed, benefits come from the insurance fund. It's no different than any other type of business insurance, really.
Emma Bianchi
Check with your mail carrier too. Sometimes they hold packages if your mailbox is too small or if there's a delivery issue.
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Aliyah Debovski
•That's a good point. I'll ask them tomorrow when they come by.
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Lucas Kowalski
The card itself is pretty standard looking - blue with Way2Go branding and your name. Nothing fancy but it works fine for getting your unemployment payments.
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Aliyah Debovski
•Thanks everyone for all the info! I feel much better knowing what to look for now.
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Olivia Martinez
•No problem! We've all been confused by this process at some point.
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