


Ask the community...
One more thing - if your new employer offers benefits, make sure you understand when they start. You don't want a gap in health insurance coverage.
For anyone else reading this thread - remember that if you're doing any freelance or gig work while on UI, you need to report that income too on your weekly claims.
One more thing - if your direct deposit doesn't come through in the expected timeframe, don't panic immediately. Sometimes there are bank processing delays on their end too, especially around holidays.
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. This thread has been really helpful in understanding what to expect when I report my unemployment to DSHS.
One last thing - if you're having trouble affording groceries while waiting for your SNAP recalculation, 211 is a great resource for finding local food assistance programs. Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
The system can be confusing, but don't let that stop you from filing. Most people who worked steadily and were laid off will qualify. Just be honest on your application and let Washington ESD make the determination.
One last tip - when you file, you'll get a determination letter in the mail explaining whether you qualify and how much you'll receive. If you disagree with their decision, you can appeal within 30 days.
Andre Dupont
One more thing - if you get any part-time work while on unemployment, you need to report it when you file your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but you can usually still get partial benefits if you're working less than full-time.
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StarStrider
•Good to know! I might pick up some gig work while job hunting.
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Andre Dupont
•Just be honest about all earnings when you report. They cross-reference with employers so it's not worth trying to hide anything.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
Looks like you got a lot of good info here! The benefit amount calculation can seem confusing at first but once you understand the basics it makes sense. Your $22/hr wage should get you a decent weekly benefit to help bridge the gap while you're job hunting. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.
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StarStrider
•Thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful. Feel much more confident about the whole process now.
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Ravi Gupta
•Glad we could help! Best of luck with your job search and don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues with your claim.
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