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One more thing that trips people up - if you're doing any freelance or contract work while unemployed, even just occasionally, you have to report it. Failing to report income can make you ineligible and create overpayment issues.
Any work for pay needs to be reported, regardless of how small. Washington ESD is strict about income reporting. Even $20 here and there needs to be disclosed on your weekly claims.
Based on everything discussed here, your best bet is to call Washington ESD and specifically ask about the alternate base period for your wages. If the regular phone line isn't working, services like Claimyr can help you actually get connected to someone who can review your specific situation.
Thanks everyone for all the detailed info! I'm going to gather my wage information and try to get through to Washington ESD to discuss the base period issue.
If you're having trouble with the Washington ESD website or phone system, definitely check out Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day. The video demo explains it well: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ
I used Claimyr too when my claim was stuck. Worth it just for the peace of mind of actually talking to someone.
The whole process is honestly pretty straightforward once you get started. The hardest part is just that first step of creating your account and filing the initial claim. After that it's mostly just filing weekly claims and looking for work.
One more thing - if you're thinking about taking any part-time work while on unemployment, make sure you understand how it affects your benefits. You can still work part-time but they reduce your weekly benefit based on what you earn.
thanks everyone for all the info. this thread has been super helpful for understanding what to expect. definitely going to file this week
for those still reading this - the WorkSource requirement is still in effect even if you own a business. you have to register and do the career workshops and stuff. just fyi
Thanks everyone for all the help and advice! This has been one of the most useful forum discussions I've ever been part of. Hope it helps others in similar situations. The main takeaways seem to be: 1) You can potentially qualify but it's complicated 2) Be completely honest about everything 3) Document all income and activities 4) Be prepared for a lengthy review process 5) You still have all the same job search requirements as other claimants.
And don't forget - if you need to talk to Washington ESD during the process, Claimyr can save you hours of phone tag. Worth checking out if you're struggling to get through.
Miguel Diaz
Thanks everyone for all this info. I was completely clueless about unemployment taxes and now I feel like I have a handle on what to expect. Going to set up that 10% withholding first thing tomorrow morning.
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Luca Ferrari
•Same here! This thread has been so helpful. I feel much less anxious about tax season now.
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Zainab Ahmed
•Glad this discussion helped. It's one of those things they really should explain better when you first apply for benefits.
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Connor Gallagher
Just wanted to add that if anyone needs help reaching Washington ESD to set up tax withholding or get tax documents, that Claimyr thing really does work. I was skeptical at first but it beats sitting on hold for hours. Worth checking out their demo at least.
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Luca Ferrari
•I'm convinced. Going to try it when I call to set up my withholding. Thanks for the recommendation!
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AstroAlpha
•Second this recommendation. Used it last month and got through to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of waiting all day.
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