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Ask the community...

  • DO post questions about your issues.
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Sofia Ramirez

Can you finance a car with Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

I've been receiving unemployment benefits from Washington ESD for about 2 months now and my car just broke down completely. The repair estimate is more than the car is worth so I need to get something else. Has anyone been able to get a car loan while on unemployment? My weekly benefit amount is $487 and I have decent credit (around 720) but no other income right now. I'm worried dealerships won't approve me since my only income is UI benefits. Any advice or experiences would be helpful!

one more tip - if you're using the car for job searching, keep track of your mileage. you can deduct job search expenses on your taxes even while on unemployment

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Good to know! I'll start keeping a log of job search related driving.

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this thread has been super helpful. bookmarking in case i need this info later

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Happy to help. These situations are more common than people think, especially in today's job market.

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Kolton Murphy

Can you get Washington ESD unemployment for unpaid maternity leave?

I'm due in about 6 weeks and my employer doesn't offer paid maternity leave. I'll be taking 12 weeks off under FMLA but it's all unpaid. Can I file for unemployment benefits during this time? I've heard mixed things about whether new moms can get UI while on maternity leave. Has anyone successfully gotten Washington ESD benefits during unpaid maternity leave?

One thing to consider is that PFML has a maximum benefit amount, so if you make really good money, you might not get your full salary replaced. But it's still probably better than unemployment benefits.

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I'm not in the high earner category so that shouldn't be an issue for me, but good to know!

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Yeah, the cap is pretty reasonable for most people. Just something to be aware of when budgeting.

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Thanks for this thread! I'm not pregnant yet but planning to start trying soon, and this gives me a much better understanding of what financial options are available. PFML sounds like a great program.

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Glad it was helpful! I learned so much from everyone's responses too.

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It's always good to plan ahead for these things. Knowledge is power when it comes to navigating benefit programs!

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Bruno Simmons

When do I request my waiting week on Washington ESD unemployment?

I'm confused about the waiting week thing. I filed my initial claim 2 weeks ago and have been doing my weekly claims, but I keep seeing references to requesting a waiting week. When exactly am I supposed to do this? Is it automatic or do I need to call Washington ESD? My claim shows as active but I haven't received any payments yet and I'm wondering if I missed something with the waiting week process.

Important reminder: even though your first week is the waiting week with no payment, you still need to file that weekly claim! Don't skip it thinking it doesn't matter.

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Good point. I almost skipped my first week thinking why bother if I won't get paid.

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Exactly - you need to file every week to keep your claim active, even the waiting week.

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The waiting week thing confused me too when I first filed. Once you understand it's automatic and you don't need to do anything special, it makes more sense. Just keep filing your weekly claims and the payments will start after that first week.

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Yeah I've got it figured out now. Thanks to everyone who helped explain it!

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This thread was helpful for me too. Good to see the community helping each other out.

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StarSeeker

Washington ESD when will unemployment increase start - any updates on benefit amounts?

Has anyone heard anything about when the unemployment benefit increases are supposed to kick in? I've been getting the same weekly amount for months and thought there was supposed to be some kind of adjustment this year. My friend in another state said theirs went up in January but I haven't seen any changes on my Washington ESD account. Are we still waiting for something to happen or did I miss an announcement somewhere?

Thanks everyone for the explanations. This helps me understand why my benefits haven't changed. Guess I'll just have to wait until my benefit year ends in August.

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Same boat here. At least we know what's going on now instead of wondering.

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Yeah this thread was super helpful. Washington ESD really should explain this stuff better on their website.

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One more thing - make sure you're prepared when your benefit year does end. You'll need recent pay stubs and employment info to file the new claim and get the updated benefit rate.

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Good point. I should start gathering that paperwork now instead of scrambling later.

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KingKongZilla

Can you get short term disability and Washington ESD unemployment at the same time?

I'm dealing with a confusing situation and hoping someone can help clarify. I've been on short-term disability through my employer's insurance for a back injury, but my doctor says I might be able to do some light desk work soon. My HR department mentioned I might qualify for unemployment benefits too since I can't return to my original job duties. Is it possible to receive both short-term disability and Washington ESD unemployment benefits simultaneously? I don't want to mess up either claim by doing something wrong.

One more thing to consider - if you do transition to unemployment, make sure you understand the work search requirements with your medical restrictions. You might need to register with WorkSourceWA and they can help with job placement accommodations.

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I hadn't heard of WorkSourceWA before. Is that something required for unemployment benefits?

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It's not always required but it can be helpful, especially if you have work restrictions. They have vocational rehabilitation services that might be relevant to your situation.

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My advice? Talk to both your disability insurance company AND Washington ESD before making any moves. Get everything in writing so you have documentation of what you were told. That way if there are any questions later, you have proof you tried to do things correctly.

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And if you can't get through to Washington ESD on the phone, that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier might be worth trying. I've heard good things about it from other people in similar situations.

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Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. I feel like I have a much clearer understanding of what I need to do now.

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