Washington Unemployment
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the ESD drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
What happens if you work while on unemployment - Washington ESD reporting requirements?
I just started a part-time job (15 hours a week) but I'm still collecting unemployment benefits. I know I need to report this to Washington ESD but I'm confused about how it affects my weekly claim amount. Do I report the gross wages or net? And will they reduce my benefits dollar for dollar or is there some kind of partial benefit calculation? I don't want to mess this up and get hit with an overpayment later.
Join the conversation
Do unemployment benefits get taxed in Washington - confused about tax implications
I've been receiving unemployment benefits from Washington ESD for about 6 months now and just realized I might need to pay taxes on them. I'm getting really confused about whether Washington ESD unemployment benefits are taxable income or not. My friend said they are but I thought they weren't since it's government assistance? I haven't been setting aside any money for taxes and now I'm worried I'm going to owe a huge amount when I file my return. Can someone explain how this works with Washington unemployment benefits?
Join the conversation
Quick question - does the tax withholding start immediately when you request it or does it take effect the next week?
Usually it takes effect with your next weekly payment after the change is processed. So if you make the change on a Tuesday, it should start with that week's payment.
Good to know, thanks! I want to make sure I understand the timing when I call to make the change.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm definitely going to get tax withholding started and probably try Claimyr to actually get through to Washington ESD. This thread has been super educational.
Glad I'm not the only one who learned something new! I feel much better about dealing with this now.
Same here! Always good to know you're not alone in figuring out these confusing unemployment rules.
Disqualified for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - can I reapply or appeal?
Got a disqualification notice from Washington ESD last month for my unemployment claim. They said I quit without good cause but that's not true - my hours were cut to basically nothing and I couldn't afford to keep that job. Can I file a new application or do I need to appeal the disqualification first? I'm really confused about what my options are and whether I can get benefits at all now.
Join the conversation
Good luck with whatever you decide! The appeal process isn't fun but it's worth it if you believe you were wrongly disqualified. Don't let the bureaucracy discourage you from fighting for benefits you deserve.
Thank you! This thread has been really helpful. I think I'm going to file the appeal and gather all my documentation.
That sounds like a solid plan. Keep copies of everything you submit and follow up if you don't hear back within the expected timeframes.
One last thing - if you do end up in a hearing, remember that the burden of proof is usually on Washington ESD to show you were disqualified, not on you to prove you qualify. Stay calm and let them make their case first.
I didn't know that! I was thinking I had to prove my innocence basically.
Nope, they have to justify their decision with evidence. Your job is to challenge their evidence and present your side of the story. Big difference in approach.
How much does unemployment pay in Washington state - confused about benefit calculation
I'm trying to figure out how much I'll get from Washington ESD unemployment benefits but I'm getting confused by all the calculations. I worked at Target for about 8 months making $18/hour before I got laid off last week. I've been looking at the Washington ESD website but the benefit calculator isn't making sense to me. Does anyone know roughly what I should expect? I need to know if this will even cover my rent which is $1,200/month.
Join the conversation
The whole system seems designed to confuse people honestly. Took me forever to understand how they calculate everything.
Right? And then when you need help understanding it you can't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to explain it.
That's why services like Claimyr are helpful - sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to make sense of your specific situation.
Thanks everyone for all the info! I feel like I have a much better understanding now. Sounds like I'll be getting the $188 minimum which isn't great but it's something while I look for another job.
Good luck with the job hunt! The retail market is pretty good right now so hopefully you'll find something soon.
Thanks! Yeah I'm already applying to other retail positions since I have experience now.
What happens if I run out of unemployment benefits in Washington?
I'm getting close to exhausting my regular unemployment benefits with Washington ESD and I'm starting to panic. I've been collecting UI for about 23 weeks now and I think I only have a few weeks left. What exactly happens when you run out? Are there any extensions available? I'm still actively job searching but the market is really tough right now and I haven't found anything yet. Does Washington ESD have any programs to help people who exhaust their benefits?
Join the conversation
The reality is that 26 weeks goes by fast and then you're on your own. The sooner you can accept that and start making backup plans, the better off you'll be.
You're right. I need to stop hoping for extensions and start planning for the reality of no income.
If you need to speak with Washington ESD about your exact benefit exhaustion date or explore any options you might have missed, I'd definitely recommend using Claimyr to get through. The phone system is so backed up that you could waste weeks trying to get through on your own when you need answers now.
I think I'm going to try that this week. I really need to know exactly where I stand with my benefits.
Dananyl Lear
If anyone else is struggling to get through to Washington ESD about work reporting questions, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier is legit. Used it last week when I had questions about reporting irregular hours.
0 coins
Noah huntAce420
Is it just for Washington or do they work with other states too?
0 coins
Dananyl Lear
I think they work with multiple states but I only used it for Washington ESD specifically.
0 coins
Ana Rusula
Bottom line - report all work honestly, keep good records, and don't try to game the system. Washington ESD will eventually catch discrepancies and the penalties aren't worth it.
0 coins
Dallas Villalobos
AuthorThanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about reporting my part-time work correctly now.
0 coins
Fidel Carson
Glad this thread helped! Always better to be overcautious with unemployment reporting.
0 coins