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One last thing - keep all your unemployment paperwork organized! You might need it for taxes, or if Washington ESD has questions about your claim later. I keep everything in a folder on my computer and print important stuff.
You've got this! The hardest part was getting approved. Now it's just a matter of following the rules and finding your next opportunity. Welcome to the unemployment journey!
Make sure you understand your benefit calculation before you start certifying for weekly benefits. If there are errors it's easier to fix them early rather than dealing with overpayment issues later.
Thanks everyone for all the info! This thread has been super helpful in understanding how Washington ESD calculates benefits. I feel much less confused now about my monetary determination.
Remember that Washington ESD has specific hours when you can file online. I think it's 6 AM to 10 PM most days. Don't try to file in the middle of the night and get frustrated when it doesn't work.
For what it's worth, I qualified for close to the maximum ($920/week) and the process was pretty smooth once I got my initial claim approved. The hardest part was just getting through to someone when I had questions.
Bottom line: $999/week maximum, 26 weeks duration, based on your highest earning quarters. Most people won't get the max but it's there if your wages qualify. And yes, it's taxable income so plan accordingly!
Yuki Kobayashi
If you're really worried about the amount, you can always try to get a part-time job while collecting benefits. Washington allows you to work and still receive partial unemployment as long as you report your earnings.
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Malik Jackson
•How does that work exactly? Do they reduce your benefits dollar for dollar?
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Yuki Kobayashi
•No, there's a formula. You can earn up to about $200 per week without any reduction, then they start reducing your benefits gradually.
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Carmen Vega
Bottom line - file your claim ASAP and don't stress too much about the exact amount until you get your determination letter. Washington ESD will calculate it for you and send you a detailed breakdown.
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Malik Jackson
•Thanks everyone for all the help. I'm going to file my claim this weekend.
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Carmen Vega
•Good luck! It's not as scary as it seems once you get started.
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