


Ask the community...
One more thing to keep in mind - if you've been job searching during your adjudication period, make sure you're still meeting the work search requirements. That shouldn't affect your back pay but it's important for ongoing eligibility.
For anyone reading this who's about to go through adjudication - document EVERYTHING. Keep records of when you filed, what you reported, any correspondence with Washington ESD. It makes resolving any back pay issues much easier.
Two weeks is still within normal range. I'd give it another week before getting seriously worried. The anxiety is real though - I remember checking my account like 10 times a day when I was waiting.
The confusion might also come from people who've dealt with other government assistance that does have repayment requirements. But unemployment insurance is fundamentally different - you and your employer paid premiums for this coverage through payroll taxes.
Bottom line: if Washington ESD approved your benefits and you followed all the rules (reported income, did job searches, etc.), those benefits are yours to keep. The only exception would be if they later discovered fraud or unreported income, and they'd notify you officially if that happened.
I remember being nervous about this same question when I first lost my job after getting my green card. Turns out I was worrying for nothing. Washington ESD treated me just like any other applicant and I got my benefits without any delays.
Giovanni Martello
The whole situation is just proof that the system is broken. People need unemployment to survive, but then they take half of it away. Makes no sense.
0 coins
Savannah Weiner
•I understand the frustration, but child support is a legal obligation. The child's needs don't stop just because the parent lost their job.
0 coins
Giovanni Martello
•I get that, but there should be some kind of minimum amount they have to leave for basic survival.
0 coins
Levi Parker
OP, definitely try to get in touch with someone at Washington ESD to understand exactly how this will affect your specific situation. Every case is a little different, and you want to know exactly what to expect before the garnishment starts.
0 coins
Owen Devar
•I'll try calling again tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll have better luck early in the day.
0 coins
Levi Parker
•Good luck! And remember, even if the garnishment is unavoidable, at least you'll still have some income while you look for work.
0 coins