


Ask the community...
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm going to review my paperwork tonight and then contact OAH tomorrow to start the withdrawal process. You've all given me a much better understanding of what's involved.
Just wanted to add that timing can be important when withdrawing an appeal. If your hearing is scheduled soon, you'll want to contact OAH as quickly as possible to avoid any complications. They usually need at least a few business days notice to properly cancel everything and notify all parties involved. Don't wait until the last minute if you've made your decision.
I just went through something similar! I live in Nevada but work remotely for a Washington-based company. When I got laid off, I was initially confused about which state to file with, but it's definitely based on where your employer is located and pays taxes. Since your employer is withholding Washington taxes and paying into Washington's unemployment system, that's exactly where your benefits should come from. The fact that Washington ESD approved your claim confirms you're on the right track. Your Oregon residency just means you'll need to report those unemployment benefits on your Oregon state tax return when tax season comes around, but it doesn't affect the actual unemployment claim process at all.
That's so helpful to hear from someone who went through the same thing! Remote work adds another layer of confusion to this whole situation. Did you have any issues with Nevada trying to claim you should file there since you physically live there, or was it pretty straightforward once you explained the work arrangement?
Nevada never even came into the picture! When you work remotely for an out-of-state employer, the unemployment system treats it just like you're physically working in that state. My Washington employer was paying all their payroll taxes to Washington, so Nevada had no claim on my unemployment benefits at all. The only thing I had to be careful about was making sure my address was correctly updated in the Washington ESD system so they could mail any documents to my Nevada address. But the actual filing process was exactly the same as if I lived in Washington - no extra complications or interstate coordination needed.
This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar boat - live in Oregon, work in Washington, and was totally confused about the tax implications. What really clicked for me reading through everyone's responses is that unemployment insurance is essentially a business expense that employers pay to the state where they operate, not where their employees happen to live. It's kind of like how a business pays property taxes where their building is located, not where their customers live. The system makes so much more sense when you think of it that way. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - especially those who've dealt with the interstate complications. Definitely saving this thread for future reference!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! Really helped clarify the work rules for unemployment benefits in Washington state.
Just wanted to add that if you're working multiple part-time jobs while on unemployment, you need to report ALL of them when filing your weekly claim. I learned this the hard way when I was juggling two different gig jobs. Washington ESD requires you to report every source of income, no matter how small. The good news is that as long as your total earnings stay under that weekly benefit amount plus $5 threshold, you'll still get your full unemployment benefits. It's actually pretty encouraging that the system supports people who are trying to piece together income while job hunting!
Another thing to keep in mind is that Washington ESD considers your field of expertise when determining suitable work. Since you were a warehouse supervisor with management responsibilities, they understand that's a specialized skill set that commands higher wages. A regular warehouse worker position isn't just a pay cut - it's also a significant step down in responsibility level. You're absolutely within your rights to decline this offer and continue searching for supervisory roles that match your experience and previous salary range. Just make sure to keep detailed records of your job search efforts and any offers you receive or decline.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! The responsibility level difference is huge - going from managing people and processes back to just basic warehouse tasks feels like it would be a real career setback. I'm definitely going to keep looking for supervisor positions that actually use my management experience. Thanks for pointing out that specialized skills matter in these decisions!
Exactly right about the specialized skills aspect! I went through something similar when I was laid off from my logistics coordinator position. Washington ESD recognized that my experience in supply chain management and vendor relations wasn't something I should have to abandon for just any warehouse job. The key is being able to articulate how your supervisory experience - the team management, safety compliance, inventory oversight - represents legitimate career advancement that you shouldn't be expected to give up after just 6 weeks of unemployment. Document not just the wage difference but also the scope of responsibilities in your previous role versus what's being offered. That complete picture really strengthens your case for declining unsuitable work.
My husband has been outta work since last week of July, with one phone interview and one in person. We’re about to go to 13 weeks of benefits. He might have to take a job that pays 60% less than what he was earning, as nothing in tech industry employment is panning out - 29 yrs software development. We’re concerned if he doesn’t take this and nothing in the next 13 weeks…we’re homeless! So we figure better to be able to pay mortgage and food on table, and to declare bankruptcy coz we cant pay our bills!
I'm so sorry you and your husband are going through this - 29 years in software development and facing such a drastic pay cut must be incredibly stressful. At 13 weeks, Washington ESD does start expecting more flexibility with "suitable work" definitions, but a 60% pay cut is still quite extreme. Have you looked into whether your husband might qualify for any retraining programs through WorkSource WA? Given his extensive tech background, there might be opportunities to upskill in emerging areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity that could lead to better-paying positions. Also, if he does end up having to take the lower-paying job temporarily, he can still continue job searching and receiving partial unemployment benefits if the new job pays less than his weekly benefit amount plus the earnings disregard. The situation is really tough, but don't give up hope - the tech market can change quickly.
I really feel for your situation - tech layoffs have been brutal this year and 29 years of experience should count for so much more. At nearly 13 weeks, you're right to be concerned about the changing suitable work requirements, but honestly a 60% pay cut seems extreme even by Washington ESD standards. Before making any drastic decisions, have you tried reaching out to tech-specific recruiters or looking into contract/consulting work? Sometimes shorter-term contracts in software development can bridge the gap while searching for permanent roles. Also, if your husband does take the lower-paying position, he might still be eligible for partial unemployment benefits if it pays less than his weekly benefit amount. The system allows you to work part-time and still collect some benefits. I know it's scary thinking about homelessness, but there might be more options than you realize right now.
Elijah O'Reilly
To answer your follow-up question: I'd recommend waiting at least 24 hours after filing your final weekly claim before starting a new application. This gives their system time to process everything properly. As someone else mentioned, you'll need to qualify with enough work hours in your new base year, which is different from your original claim's base year.
0 coins
Natalie Adams
•Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I just filed my final weekly claim and it went through normally. I'll wait until Tuesday before trying to start a new claim application. This community is amazing!
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
Just wanted to add that if you're worried about the timing, you can always check your eServices account after filing to see if the payment shows as "Paid" or "Processing." That usually happens within a day or two and will give you peace of mind that everything went through correctly. I've been through this same situation twice now and both times the final week payment processed without any issues, even though filing after the benefit year expired felt weird!
0 coins
Melina Haruko
•That's such a great tip about checking eServices! I was wondering how I'd know for sure if it processed correctly. It's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through this twice - makes me feel a lot less anxious about the whole situation. Thanks for sharing your experience!
0 coins