


Ask the community...
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.
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.
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.
Harmony Love
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.
0 coins
Harmony Love
•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.
0 coins
Natalie Khan
•This is why so many people get overpayment notices later. They didn't realize that small side gigs counted as reportable income.
0 coins
Daryl Bright
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.
0 coins
Avery Davis
•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.
0 coins
Sienna Gomez
•Good luck! Don't give up if the first person you talk to doesn't help. Sometimes you need to call back and get a different agent who understands the alternate base period rules better.
0 coins