Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble understanding your paystub deductions, you can also request a detailed breakdown from your HR or payroll department. They're required to explain what each deduction is for. I had to do this when I started my current job because the codes were confusing. Also, keep in mind that if you're a seasonal worker or have gaps in employment, the unemployment insurance you're paying into now could really help you later - I've had to use it twice and was grateful I had been contributing to the system.

One thing worth mentioning is that Washington is one of the few states where employees actually pay into unemployment insurance - in most other states it's just employers who pay. So if you move here from another state, this deduction might be new to you. Also, the 0.58% rate and $68,500 wage base for 2025 are set by the state legislature and can change based on the health of the unemployment trust fund. During economic downturns when more people claim benefits, these rates might go up to keep the system funded.

I went through this exact same situation last year! I had a $5,000 signing bonus that I wasn't sure about including. I called ESD (took forever to get through) and they confirmed that ALL compensation from your employer needs to be reported as gross income - base salary, bonuses, commissions, overtime, everything. The rep told me that it's much better to over-report than under-report because they can always adjust down, but if you under-report and they catch it later (which they will when they verify with your employer), you'll face overpayment issues. So definitely include that $7,200 bonus with your base salary for a total of $75,700. Better safe than sorry!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - I received a performance bonus in January and wasn't sure if it should be included in my gross income reporting. After reading all these responses, it's clear I need to include it. One thing I'm wondering about though - if the bonus pushes me into a higher benefit calculation, does that mean I might actually get MORE weekly benefits? It seems counterintuitive but based on what Aria mentioned about using your highest-earning quarters, maybe including bonuses could actually work in your favor depending on the timing?

Quick update for those following this thread - ESD has actually created a specific Identity Theft form to streamline these reports. Go to esd.wa.gov, search for "Unemployment benefits fraud" and look for the secure form upload option. You'll need to provide ID documentation, but it creates a direct case in their system rather than relying on phone calls.

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago and it was definitely stressful at first, but I wanted to reassure you that it does get resolved! A few additional tips from my experience: 1) When you call, try to call right at 8am when they open - you'll have the best chance of getting through quickly. 2) Take screenshots of your online ESD account if you can access it (or if one was created without your knowledge) as evidence. 3) Ask them to send you written confirmation via email that they've received your fraud report - this helps if you need to provide proof to your employer or bank later. The whole process took about 6 weeks for me from start to finish, and they were actually pretty good about keeping me updated once I got the initial report filed. You've got this!

I've been in a similar situation and can confirm what others have said - you can definitely drive for Uber while collecting unemployment in Washington. The key is being completely transparent about your earnings. I'd recommend starting with just a few hours per week to see how it affects your benefits before ramping up. Also, make sure you keep the Uber driver app statements as backup documentation - I print mine out each week just in case ESD ever asks for proof. The flexibility of gig work actually helped me during my job search since I could turn it off for interviews and turn it back on when I needed extra cash.

I've been driving for Uber while on unemployment in Washington for about 2 months now and wanted to share my experience. The reporting process is actually pretty straightforward once you get used to it - I just log into my Uber driver app every Sunday morning before filing my weekly claim and write down my gross earnings for that week. One thing I learned the hard way is to screenshot or save those earnings summaries because sometimes the app glitches and you can't access older data. I typically make around $150-200 per week driving Friday and Saturday nights, which means my unemployment gets reduced by about $145-195, but I still come out ahead overall. The biggest benefit for me has been maintaining some income stability while job searching, and it's actually helped my mental health to stay active and feel productive. Just make sure you keep your main focus on finding full-time work in your field - I treat Uber as a temporary bridge, not a career replacement.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure you mention these specific things in your explanation: 1. It was explicitly a "work trial" or "evaluation period" 2. The excessive hours requirement (60+ vs standard 40) 3. The hostile work environment (screaming/verbal abuse) These factors clearly establish that this was unsuitable work under RCW 50.20.100, which protects your benefits eligibility. Also be sure to answer any ESD messages promptly as delayed responses can further delay your claim processing.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through something similar - I did a 5-day trial at a marketing firm that turned out to be a nightmare (unpaid overtime expectations, no clear job description, toxic management). I reported the earnings honestly and explained it was a trial period that didn't work out. My claim did go into pending for about 10 days while they reviewed it, but I got approved and received backpay for those pending weeks. The key is being completely honest and thorough in your explanation. Document everything about the working conditions now while it's fresh - the 60+ hour expectation and hostile environment you described would definitely qualify as unsuitable work conditions under Washington state law. Don't let the horror stories scare you too much - most legitimate work trial situations get resolved fairly quickly if you provide clear documentation. Good luck with your upcoming interviews!