Washington Unemployment
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Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
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When do you get your waiting week unemployment payment in Washington ESD?
I filed my initial unemployment claim about 6 weeks ago and have been filing my weekly claims every week since then. My first week was marked as my waiting week, but I still haven't received any payment for it. I thought the waiting week was supposed to be paid out eventually? When does Washington ESD actually pay you for that first waiting week? My claim has been approved and I've been getting my regular weekly benefits, but that first week is still showing as unpaid in my account.
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Washington ESD unemployment benefits - do I qualify for food stamps too?
I'm currently getting unemployment benefits from Washington ESD after losing my job at a warehouse in Tacoma. My weekly benefit amount is $487 and I'm wondering if I can still apply for food stamps (SNAP) while receiving UI benefits? I have two kids and the unemployment isn't quite covering all our expenses. Does anyone know if Washington ESD unemployment disqualifies you from getting food assistance? I'm really confused about how these programs work together.
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Final word of advice - when you do get approved for SNAP, the benefits come on an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores. Super easy to use and nobody really notices or cares. Don't let pride keep you from getting help you need for your kids.
Thank you for saying that. I definitely had some pride issues about applying but you're right - it's for the kids.
Exactly. You paid into these systems when you were working. Now they're there when you need them.
Really glad to see this discussion helped you out. And remember, if you run into any issues getting documents from Washington ESD for your SNAP application, Claimyr can help you actually talk to someone instead of waiting on hold forever. Worth checking out that demo video I mentioned earlier.
I'll definitely look into that if I need to contact ESD. Thanks for all the help everyone - this thread has been super informative!
This was a great discussion. Hope everything works out for your family!
How long do you have to work at a place to get unemployment in Washington?
I just started thinking about this because my current job might not work out. I've been here about 2 months but wondering if I'd qualify for unemployment if things go south. Does Washington ESD have a minimum time you need to work somewhere before you can file for benefits? I tried looking on their website but got confused by all the base period stuff.
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For what it's worth, I used Claimyr when I had questions about my base period wages and they got me through to someone at Washington ESD in minutes instead of hours. Really worth it if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.
I saw someone mention that earlier - might be worth trying if I can't figure things out online.
yeah claimyr saved me so much frustration when i was trying to get answers about my adjudication
Washington ESD unemployment benefits - will I owe taxes on payments?
Just got approved for unemployment after being laid off from my warehouse job last month. Washington ESD is paying me $487 per week which is helping a lot right now. But I'm worried about tax season - do I have to pay taxes on these unemployment benefits? Should I have them withhold taxes or is it better to pay at the end of the year? I've never been on unemployment before so I have no idea how this works with the IRS.
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This whole discussion makes me glad I set up tax withholding from day one. Worth the slightly smaller weekly payment to avoid stress at tax time.
Definitely agree after reading everyone's experiences. Going to set it up right now.
For anyone still reading this thread - I tried that Claimyr thing mentioned earlier when I couldn't get my tax withholding set up online. Worked great and the agent walked me through the whole process. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person at Washington ESD.
Good to know it worked for you too. I'll keep that option in mind if I run into any issues.
Where can you file for unemployment benefits in Washington state?
I got laid off last week and need to apply for unemployment benefits but I'm not sure where to go. Do I have to go to a physical office or can I do it online? I heard there's a website but I want to make sure I'm going to the right place. Any help would be appreciated!
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Remember that filing for unemployment is your right if you're eligible. Don't feel bad about needing assistance - that's what the system is there for.
Thanks for saying that. I do feel a bit weird about it but you're right.
You paid into this system through your payroll taxes. It's there to help you during times like this.
Good luck with your application! The Washington ESD online system at secure.esd.wa.gov is really the most efficient way to get your claim started. You've got this!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the guidance from everyone here.
That's what this community is for. Hope everything goes smoothly for you!
Olivia Evans
For what it's worth, once you understand how the waiting week works, it's pretty straightforward. Just think of it as your last week's payment instead of your first week's payment.
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Nick Kravitz
AuthorThat's actually a helpful way to think about it. Makes it feel less like they're withholding money and more like delayed payment.
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Sophia Bennett
Good perspective. Still annoying but at least it makes sense when you frame it that way.
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Aiden Chen
Thanks everyone for all the info about waiting weeks. This thread has been super helpful in understanding how it actually works versus what I thought it was supposed to do.
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Nick Kravitz
AuthorAgreed! Really glad I asked about this. Now I know to just be patient and wait until the end of my benefit year.
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Zoey Bianchi
Same here. Was getting worried something was wrong with my account but sounds like everything is normal.
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