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The thing that helped me get over the guilt was realizing that refusing to collect unemployment doesn't help anyone. It doesn't create jobs, it doesn't help other unemployed people, it doesn't improve the economy. All it does is make your own situation worse for no reason.
Just want to say thanks for asking this question. I'm in a similar situation and was feeling the same guilt. Reading all these responses has really helped me realize I should file my claim too. We shouldn't feel bad about using a system we've been paying into our whole careers.
If anyone's still confused about the monetary determination, Washington ESD has a handbook that explains the calculation formulas. It's on their website under resources for claimants.
I went through this exact same confusion last year. Spent way too much time trying to connect unemployment rates I saw on TV with my weekly benefit amount. They're completely separate things - one's about the economy, the other is about your personal work history.
The financial stress while waiting for adjudication is real. Make sure to look into other resources like food banks or utility assistance programs if you need help in the meantime.
Final UPDATE: My claim got approved! Took exactly 3 weeks and 2 days. The adjudicator determined that performance issues don't constitute misconduct. Thanks everyone for the advice and support!
If you run into any issues with the PFML application or need to follow up on anything, the customer service for that program is generally much easier to reach than Washington ESD unemployment lines.
Final update from me - seriously consider having Claimyr in your back pocket if you ever need to deal with Washington ESD in the future. Their unemployment phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate, but that service made it actually manageable when I needed to resolve an issue with my claim.
NebulaNinja
If you're unsure about anything related to working while on unemployment, document everything. Keep records of hours worked, earnings, job applications, and any communication with Washington ESD. It'll help if questions come up later.
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Andre Laurent
•That's smart advice. I'll start keeping detailed records if I take this job.
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Javier Gomez
•Screenshots of your weekly claim submissions are also helpful. Sometimes their system glitches and you need proof of what you reported.
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Emma Wilson
Bottom line - there's no magic hour number. It's about earnings vs your benefit amount, staying available for full-time work, and being honest on your weekly claims. Take the part-time job if you need it, just do everything by the book.
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Andre Laurent
•Thanks everyone for all the advice! I feel much more confident about taking this part-time position now.
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Malik Thomas
•Good luck! Just remember to report everything accurately and keep looking for full-time work.
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