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Thanks OP for starting this discussion. Really helpful to see all these strategies in one place. Going to bookmark this thread.
One last tip - if you're dealing with an overpayment notice, don't ignore it. The sooner you address it (either by paying or appealing), the better your options will be.
Filed my claim 3 weeks ago and still haven't gotten my first payment. The waiting is the worst part honestly. At least I know roughly what I should be getting when it finally comes through.
Alright everyone, I'm convinced - about to start my application right now. Thanks for all the advice and realistic expectations about timing and amounts. This thread has been super helpful!
For anyone still confused about the tax withholding process, it's really straightforward once you find it. Just answer 'yes' when asked if you want federal taxes withheld during your weekly claim.
The bottom line is yes, unemployment is taxable income. Have 10% withheld or save money yourself. You'll get a 1099-G form to use when filing taxes. Washington state has no income tax so only federal taxes apply.
For anyone else reading this later - Washington ESD also has a live chat feature during business hours that can help with login issues. Sometimes faster than calling.
Thais Soares
Pro tip: take screenshots of everything in your account, especially your weekly claim confirmations. If there are ever any issues or disputes later, having that documentation can be really helpful. I learned this after having a problem with a missing payment.
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Vera Visnjic
•Smart idea! I'll start doing that right away.
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Thais Soares
•Yeah, better safe than sorry with Washington ESD. They don't always have perfect records on their end.
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Nalani Liu
Update us when you hear back! Always curious how long the process takes for different people. Seems to vary quite a bit depending on your situation and how busy they are.
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Vera Visnjic
•Will do! Hopefully I'll have good news to share soon.
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Oliver Brown
•If you need to check on the status before then, definitely consider Claimyr if the phone lines aren't working for you. Made all the difference for me.
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