Great update! One additional tip: When you apply for PFML, be prepared with documentation from your healthcare provider. They'll need certification of your pregnancy/birth. Also, take screenshots of all your submissions and keep track of claim numbers for both systems. Documentation has saved me multiple times when there were mix-ups between systems. Good luck with your delivery and congrats on the baby!

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! I'm a new member here but went through a similar situation with my second child last year. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to start gathering all your employment documentation NOW while you still have energy - pay stubs, your separation notice, any correspondence with your former employer, etc. Both ESD and PFML will want detailed employment history, and it's so much easier to organize this stuff before you're sleep-deprived with a newborn! Also, if you haven't already, consider setting up direct deposit for both systems to avoid any mail delays. Sounds like you're getting great advice here and making good progress with ESD. Wishing you a smooth delivery and hassle-free benefits process!

Congratulations on landing the billing specialist position at Cascade Health Systems! You're doing everything right by reporting your employment on your weekly claim with the start date. Just to add one more piece of advice - once you stop filing weekly claims, I'd recommend keeping a record of when you stopped filing and why (new employment) in case you ever need to reference it later. Some people keep a simple note in their files with the date they stopped claiming and their new employer info. It's probably overkill, but with government systems you can never be too careful about documentation. Best of luck with the new job!

Congrats on the new job at Cascade Health! You're handling this correctly - reporting your new employment on your final weekly claim is exactly what you need to do. No need to formally close your claim by calling ESD. Once you stop filing weekly claims, your benefits automatically stop but your claim remains open for the full benefit year in case you need it again. Just make sure you accurately report any partial week earnings if you work part of the week before your claim week ends. Keep copies of your final claim submission for your records - screenshot everything! Your claim will go dormant but stay available if circumstances change during your probationary period. Good luck with the billing specialist role!

Bottom line for the OP: no unemployment taxes if you're truly self-employed with no employees. But as soon as you hire anyone, even part-time, you need to register and start paying. It's actually one of the more straightforward business requirements once you understand it.

Just want to add that if you're planning to incorporate your business (LLC, Corp, etc.), you'll still follow the same rules - no unemployment taxes until you have employees. But once you do incorporate and start paying yourself a salary, you might need to treat yourself as an employee for unemployment purposes depending on your ownership structure. Something to keep in mind as your business grows!

Thanks everyone for all the input! This has been really helpful. I think I'm going to take the severance package and file for unemployment right after my last day. I'll make sure to document everything and be completely honest about the circumstances on my application. Fingers crossed Washington ESD sees it as involuntary separation!

I went through this exact situation in Washington about 6 months ago. The key thing that helped my case was getting a letter from HR stating that the severance was offered as part of a "workforce reduction program" rather than just calling it voluntary separation. Even though I chose to take the package, Washington ESD approved my claim because they recognized it was essentially a layoff with the option to take severance or wait to be terminated. I'd suggest asking your HR department for documentation that clearly states this is related to company downsizing/layoffs, not just a voluntary departure program. That documentation made all the difference for me.

After you've filed the police report and contacted ESD, be sure to also: 1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) 2. Check your Social Security statement to ensure no one is reporting false wages 3. Contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 800-908-4490 The fact that you have clear documentation of your incarceration during the exact period of the claims is actually very helpful. It's unambiguous proof you couldn't have filed those claims yourself.

I'm really sorry this happened to you. Identity theft is awful enough without having to deal with it while you're getting back on your feet after incarceration. One thing to keep in mind - ESD actually has a specific process for situations like yours where benefits were fraudulently claimed while someone was incarcerated. They see this type of case regularly and understand that you're a victim, not a perpetrator. When you call the fraud line, specifically mention that you were incarcerated during the entire period the claims were filed - they have procedures to fast-track these cases. Also, don't worry about this affecting your future legitimate claims once it's resolved. ESD keeps a record that you reported the fraud, which actually protects you if any issues come up later. You're handling this exactly right by being proactive about it.