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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.
Restaurant work can be unpredictable but unemployment is designed to help with exactly these situations. I worked in food service for years and filed for partial benefits several times when hours got cut. It definitely helped bridge the gap until business picked up again.
If you end up having trouble with your claim or need to speak to someone at Washington ESD, I'd suggest trying that Claimyr service mentioned earlier. I was skeptical at first but when I was stuck in adjudication hell for over a month, they helped me get through to an agent who cleared up the issue in one phone call. Sometimes it's worth paying for help when the regular system isn't working.
For anyone still confused about timing - the waiting week payment is triggered after you've been paid for 3 consecutive weeks of regular UI benefits AND you've continued to file your weekly claims. If you miss filing a week or get disqualified for any reason, it can delay the waiting week payment.
The whole waiting week concept is just another way for them to hold onto our money longer. It's frustrating but at least we do eventually get it back.
Overall the system works but it's bureaucratic and slow. Just be patient, follow the rules, and keep detailed records of everything.
Been on unemployment 3 times in my career and each time I learn something new about how confusing their rules are. But yeah, the basics are: file initial claim, file weekly claims, do job searches, report any work/earnings, be patient.
Liam Fitzgerald
For anyone still having trouble getting through to Washington ESD about payment questions, I had success with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Worth trying if you need to talk to an actual person about your specific situation.
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Chloe Taylor
•Thanks, I might try that if I run into any issues with my payments. Good to know there's an option that actually works.
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PixelWarrior
•Same here, used Claimyr when I had payment issues last month. Much better than spending hours on hold for nothing.
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Amara Adebayo
Bottom line seems to be: file your weekly claim by Sunday, expect payment Wednesday in most cases, but Thursday is possible depending on your bank and claim type. And if there are problems, check your online account first before trying to call.
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Chloe Taylor
•Perfect summary! This thread has been really helpful. I feel much better about knowing what to expect now.
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ShadowHunter
•Exactly right. That covers the main points about Washington ESD payment timing.
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