Quick follow-up since there's some confusion in this thread. You have three options: 1. File your weekly claim, report your earnings honestly, and complete your job searches (safest option) 2. Don't file a claim for that week at all (okay if it's just 1-2 weeks) 3. File your claim, report earnings, but report no job searches (risky - could disqualify you and trigger adjudication) Option 1 is the safest, even though it requires a bit more work. Option 2 is fine for a short period. I would never recommend Option 3.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this whole process multiple times. The safest route is definitely to keep filing and doing your job searches even when you know you won't get benefits that week. I learned this the hard way when I skipped filing for what I thought was just going to be two weeks of higher earnings from freelance work. Ended up being three weeks, and when I tried to file again, my claim had been automatically closed. Had to go through the whole reopening process which took forever and created a gap in my benefits when my freelance work dried up again. The 30 minutes it takes to do the minimum job search activities is so much better than dealing with ESD bureaucracy later!

The key is consistency. Don't wait until the end of the week to scramble for 3 activities. Spread them out and do a little job searching each day. It's less overwhelming and you'll have better documentation.

Just wanted to add that when you're logging your job search activities, make sure to save screenshots or confirmations when you submit online applications. I learned this the hard way when Washington ESD asked for proof of my job search activities and I only had my handwritten log. Having that extra documentation really helped verify my records. Also, if you apply through job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, those platforms usually keep a record of your applications that you can reference later if needed.

Based on recent cases I've seen, separation issues are taking about 7-9 weeks to resolve right now. The key is to be proactive while you wait: 1. Continue filing weekly claims 2. Upload any documentation that supports your version of events 3. Check your eServices account daily for any new questionnaires or information requests 4. Be prepared for an adjudicator to call - they often don't schedule these calls in advance If it goes beyond 8 weeks, you can request an escalation due to financial hardship. Also, consider reaching out to your state representative - sometimes their constituent services can help move things along with ESD.

I'm dealing with a separation issue too - been waiting 5 weeks now. My employer said I was terminated for "performance issues" but I think they're just trying to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes. The whole thing feels so unfair when you're already stressed about money. Has anyone had success getting their employer's version overturned during adjudication? I have some emails that might help my case but not sure if they're enough.

Just be careful about how many hours you're working too!!! Remember you have to be available for full-time work to qualify for benefits. If you're spending too many hours on Instacart they might decide you're not available for regular employment and disqualify you. I think the magic number is less than 17 hours per week but DON'T QUOTE ME ON THAT.

I went through something similar when I started doing Shipt deliveries while on unemployment. The ESD agent told me the same thing about it being "employment" instead of self-employment, which had me really confused too. After doing some research and talking to other gig workers, I learned that all these delivery platforms (Instacart, Shipt, DoorDash, etc.) classify their workers as independent contractors in Washington state. You'll get a 1099 at the end of the year, not a W-2. For your weekly claims, definitely report it as self-employment and make sure you're tracking your earnings by the week you actually worked, not when the money hits your account. I keep a simple spreadsheet with dates, hours worked, and gross earnings to make filing easier. One tip: don't rely on just calling ESD for clarification on stuff like this. Their agents sometimes give conflicting information. The written guidelines on their website are usually more reliable, or you can check with the gig platform's tax resources - they usually have clear info about contractor status.

For anyone still confused: 1. Washington PFML has TWO components: Medical Leave (sick leave) and Family Leave 2. Family Leave = taxable federally (you'll get a 1099-G) 3. Medical Leave (sick leave) = NOT taxable federally (no 1099-G issued) 4. If you received both types, you'll only get a 1099-G for the Family Leave portion 5. Keep your payment statements from ESD showing which type you received There's also a detailed explanation in ESD's FAQ section that covers this exact question.

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else dealing with this! I received Washington sick leave benefits last year and was also confused about the tax situation. After reading through all these helpful comments, I called my CPA to double-check, and they confirmed that Washington Paid Sick Leave benefits are indeed NOT taxable at the federal level since we pay into the program with after-tax dollars through payroll deductions. The key is making sure you're distinguishing between sick leave (medical leave) and family leave - only family leave is taxable and gets a 1099-G. I kept all my ESD payment statements showing it was specifically for sick leave/medical leave, and my tax preparer said that was smart documentation to have. Hope this helps others who are in the same boat!