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This thread is really helpful. I got an overpayment notice last month and was too scared to even open it. Now I know I should actually investigate instead of just assuming it's correct.
Been following this thread - really good info here. Washington ESD overpayment calculations are notorious for being confusing and sometimes wrong. Everyone should verify before paying.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about handling this transition now. It's nice to know other people have gone through the same thing successfully.
You're welcome! Best of luck with your new job. Remember to keep checking your Washington ESD account occasionally even after you stop filing.
And if you ever need to reach Washington ESD again for any reason, remember that Claimyr option - saved me a lot of time and frustration!
I swear they make this stuff as confusing as possible on purpose. Like why can't they just have a simple page that says 'here's when benefits change and by how much'?? Instead you have to dig through 50 different pages to find basic info.
Totally agree! And then when you call to ask they put you on hold forever. The whole system needs better communication.
At least with services like Claimyr you can actually get through to ask questions instead of guessing. Still annoying that it's necessary though.
Just want to add that if anyone is expecting their benefits to automatically increase, make sure you're still doing your weekly claims correctly. I know someone who missed out on payments because they thought everything was automatic and stopped reporting properly.
If you have any issues with your claim or questions about eligibility, Washington ESD has local offices but they're usually pretty busy. The online system is really your best bet for most things, but sometimes you need to talk to someone. That's where services like Claimyr can be helpful for getting through.
Just wanted to add that if you're filing right after a layoff, you might be eligible for benefits immediately. The waiting week was eliminated in Washington, so you can potentially get paid for your first week of unemployment if you file quickly and meet all the requirements.
Aurora Lacasse
Also worth noting that you can't collect unemployment if you're self-employed or an independent contractor unless you've been paying into the system voluntarily or meet other specific criteria.
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Anthony Young
•What about gig workers like Uber drivers? Can they collect unemployment?
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Aurora Lacasse
•It depends on how they're classified and whether they've been paying into the system. Many gig workers are considered independent contractors and wouldn't qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
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Charlotte White
The key thing is to file your claim as soon as you become unemployed, even if you're not sure you qualify. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, so don't wait to apply.
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Admin_Masters
•This is really important advice! I waited two weeks to file because I thought I might get called back to work, and I lost out on those benefits.
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Charlotte White
•Exactly! Even if your situation is uncertain, it's better to file and let Washington ESD determine your eligibility than to miss out on potential benefits.
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