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Whatever you do, don't wait around hoping this gets fixed automatically. Washington ESD doesn't proactively correct mistakes - you have to take action through the appeal process.
Got it. I'm going to file the appeal today and try calling one more time with that Claimyr service people mentioned.
been following this thread because i'm dealing with washington esd issues too. sounds like you have a strong case with that termination letter
Remember that once you're approved, you'll need to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. This is usually done online and you'll need to report any work you did that week and wages earned, even if it's just a few hours.
No, you can work part-time and still receive partial benefits. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earned, but you won't lose everything.
Based on everything you've described, you should definitely qualify for unemployment benefits. Store closure, 8 months of work, $12,000 in wages - that all checks the boxes for Washington ESD eligibility. Don't overthink it, just apply!
The hardest part psychologically is watching that balance get lower each week. I started calculating exactly what week I'd hit zero and it made me really anxious. Try not to obsess over the numbers too much.
Final reminder for everyone - make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your job search activities. If Washington ESD does audit your claim near the end, you want to have everything documented properly.
Bottom line: unemployment from Washington ESD is taxable income that goes on your 1040, but it's not considered earned income for things like EITC or Social Security. Make sure you have your 1099-G form and report it correctly.
Also remember that Washington state doesn't have a state income tax, so you only need to worry about federal taxes on your unemployment benefits. That's one less thing to deal with.
Raj Gupta
This thread has been really helpful. I'm in a somewhat similar situation and had no idea about some of these options. The Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier sounds like it could be really useful for getting through to Washington ESD when you have complex questions like this.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Yeah, I'm definitely going to look into that. Seems like there are too many nuances to figure out without talking to someone directly.
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Raj Gupta
•Same here. I've been putting off calling because I know how frustrating it is, but having a service that can actually get you through might be worth it.
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Lena Müller
One last thing - if you do apply and get denied initially, don't give up! A lot of pregnancy-related claims get approved on appeal once they review all the documentation. The initial reviewers sometimes don't understand the nuances of medical accommodation issues.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Good to know! I was worried that a denial would be final. How long does the appeal process usually take?
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Lena Müller
•Appeals can take 6-8 weeks, but it's worth it if you have a good case. Make sure you have all your medical documentation organized before you start the process.
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