Washington Unemployment
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Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
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- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
When can someone apply for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - timing requirements?
I'm trying to figure out the exact timing for when you're allowed to file for unemployment benefits in Washington. My last day of work is coming up next Friday and I want to make sure I don't mess up the application timing. Do I need to wait until after my final day or can I apply before? Also heard something about a waiting week - is that still a thing? Really don't want to delay getting benefits if I can help it.
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How many hours can you work and collect unemployment in Washington ESD?
I'm trying to figure out the work hour limits for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. I got laid off from my main job but I can pick up some part-time work at a local warehouse. I don't want to mess up my UI claim by working too many hours. Does anyone know what the cutoff is? I've heard different numbers and the Washington ESD website is confusing me.
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One thing to remember is that working part-time doesn't pause your benefit year. You're still using up weeks of eligibility even when you're working and getting reduced benefits.
Oh I didn't realize that! So even if I only get like $50 in benefits because I worked a lot, that still counts as using up a week?
Exactly, each week you file a claim counts toward your benefit year regardless of how much you actually receive.
This has been really helpful! I feel much more confident about taking on some part-time work now. The key seems to be staying under 40 hours and being honest about earnings.
That's exactly right! And don't forget to keep looking for full-time work and doing your job searches.
Will do, thanks everyone for the advice!
Do you pay taxes on unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?
I've been receiving unemployment benefits from Washington ESD for about 6 months now and just realized I might need to pay taxes on them. My friend said unemployment is taxable income but I'm not sure if that's true in Washington state. I never had taxes withheld from my weekly payments - should I have been doing that? Tax season is coming up and I'm worried I'm going to owe a huge amount. Has anyone dealt with this before?
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One more thing - if you had any federal taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits, that will show up on your 1099-G too. So you'll get credit for whatever was already withheld when you file your return.
That's good to know. I didn't have any withheld but I'll remember that for next year if I'm still collecting.
Yeah the 1099-G shows total benefits in one box and federal taxes withheld in another box. Pretty straightforward.
Bottom line: yes you pay federal taxes on unemployment benefits, no you don't pay state taxes in Washington, and you should set up withholding if you're still collecting. Plan to owe around 15-20% of your total benefits if you didn't have withholding.
Perfect summary, thanks! I feel much better understanding what to expect now.
Agreed, this thread was really helpful. I was in the same boat as OP and now I know what to do.
How to claim unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - complete beginner guide?
I've never filed for unemployment before and honestly have no clue where to start with Washington ESD. Just got laid off yesterday and everyone keeps telling me different things about what I need to do. Some say go online, others say call first. Do I need to gather specific documents before I start? How long does the whole process take? I'm really stressed about getting this wrong and messing up my claim somehow.
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If you're worried about making mistakes, the Washington ESD customer service staff are actually pretty helpful when you can reach them. They'd rather help you get it right the first time than deal with problems later.
That's reassuring. I was worried they'd be impatient with basic questions.
Not at all. They understand that most people filing for unemployment are dealing with a stressful situation and are new to the process.
Last piece of advice - don't wait to apply. Your claim is effective from the date you file, not from when you lost your job. So even if you're unsure about something, it's better to start the process and clarify details later than to wait too long.
Perfect timing then since I just lost my job yesterday. I'll start the application tonight.
Exactly! You're on the right track. Good luck with everything!
How much do you collect for unemployment benefits in Washington state?
Just got laid off from my warehouse job after 18 months and I'm trying to figure out what to expect from Washington ESD unemployment benefits. I was making about $22/hour working 40 hours a week. Does anyone know how they calculate the weekly benefit amount? I've heard different things from coworkers - some say it's half your wages, others say there's a maximum. Also wondering if there are any taxes taken out automatically or if I need to set money aside. This is my first time filing for UI so any help would be appreciated.
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The monetary determination notice you get from Washington ESD will show your exact weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you're eligible for. Keep that document safe - you'll need it if you ever have to appeal a decision or if future employers ask about your unemployment history.
Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim. You can also see this information in your online account once it's processed.
I still have mine from 3 years ago. Never know when you might need it for reference!
One last thing - if you disagree with your benefit amount calculation, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving your monetary determination. Sometimes Washington ESD makes mistakes in calculating wages or doesn't include all your employers. Don't just accept it if something looks wrong.
I had to appeal once because they missed wages from a temp agency job. The appeal process was pretty straightforward and they corrected my benefit amount.
That's exactly the kind of situation where appealing makes sense. Always double-check that all your employers are included in the wage calculation.
Freya Ross
The whole process seems overwhelming when you first look at it but honestly it's pretty straightforward once you start. Just follow the prompts and you'll be fine.
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Aileen Rodriguez
AuthorThanks everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared now.
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Leslie Parker
Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.
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Aileen Rodriguez
AuthorMuch appreciated! This community has been super helpful.
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