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For anyone else who needs to talk to ESD directly about PFML stuff, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier is at claimyr.com. Super helpful when you actually need to speak to a human there instead of getting stuck in phone tree hell.
Just want to add - don't panic if the process seems overwhelming at first. Take it step by step and ask questions if you're not sure about something. Better to get it right the first time than have to fix problems later.
One last tip - set up direct deposit when you file your claim. It's faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail and you'll get your benefits sooner.
One more thing to consider - if you received unemployment in 2021, there was a special $10,200 exclusion that year due to COVID. But that was only for 2021, not for current benefits.
For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about tax withholding, I used Claimyr last month and got through to an agent in about 20 minutes. Way better than spending hours on hold. They walked me through setting up the withholding over the phone.
Last bit of advice - if you run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to Washington ESD, that Claimyr service others mentioned really does work. Saved me hours of frustration when I had questions about my benefits.
Mateo Sanchez
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I feel much better about tackling my taxes now. Going to double-check my 1099-G against my payment history and then bite the bullet on whatever I owe. At least now I know to have taxes withheld if I ever need unemployment again.
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Aisha Mahmood
•Good luck with your taxes! It's definitely a learning experience the first time you have to deal with unemployment benefits on your tax return.
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Mateo Sanchez
•Thanks! Definitely not something they teach you in school but good to know for the future.
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Ethan Clark
Last tip from someone who's been through this multiple times - keep good records of all your unemployment-related documents. Payment confirmations, 1099-G forms, any correspondence with Washington ESD. Makes tax time much easier and helps if you ever need to prove anything to the IRS.
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AstroAce
•Great advice. I wish I had been more organized about this stuff from the beginning.
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Ethan Clark
•Live and learn! At least you know for next time. Organization really pays off when dealing with government agencies.
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