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Everyone has been so helpful - thank you! I'm going to apply right away and make sure I do those weekly claims even during severance. One last question: if I get a job offer during my severance period but the start date is after my severance ends, will I still be eligible for unemployment for those weeks between severance ending and my new job starting?
Yes, you would be eligible for those weeks between severance ending and your new job starting, as long as you continue meeting all other requirements (filing weekly claims, conducting job searches, being able and available for work). Just make sure to accurately report your job acceptance and future start date when it happens.
jut wondering - do you have to pay taxes on unemployment benifits? and do they take taxes out or you have to pay them later? trying to figure this out for my budgeting
Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. When setting up your claim, you'll have the option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes (there's no state income tax in WA). If you don't choose withholding, you'll need to account for taxes when filing your annual return. Many people don't realize this and end up with an unexpected tax bill.
Did you try checking your eligibility on the eServices portal? Sometimes it will tell you if you have enough quarters. Thats how I found out I could file a new claim after my seasonal retail job ended last year. I dint have to call at all just filed online
I tried checking eServices but it just kept directing me to reopen my existing claim, which then gave me an error saying I had no more benefits available. It never gave me an option to check eligibility for a new claim. Maybe the system has changed since you did it?
Just to follow up on this thread - the key terminology you need when calling is "new claim within the same benefit year after exhaustion of benefits." This is a specific situation addressed in ESD's regulations, but it requires agent intervention. Based on what you've shared about earning $28,000 in the fishing season this year, you should easily meet the 680-hour requirement and the minimum earnings threshold. When you connect with an agent, make sure to have: 1. Your employment dates for the fishing season 2. Approximate earnings amounts 3. Your employer's contact information 4. Your last day of work This will help speed up the process. And just to clarify for everyone, the online system isn't designed to handle this specific situation - it's not a glitch or an attempt to deny benefits, it's simply a limitation of the automated system that requires human intervention for these special cases.
Thank you so much for the follow-up! I finally got through to ESD this morning using the Claimyr service someone recommended. The agent knew exactly what to do when I mentioned "new claim within same benefit year after exhaustion." They took all my fishing season information and said I definitely qualify for a new claim! Benefits should start in about a week. Such a relief!
FINAL UPDATE: I finally got through using the Option 4 trick! The agent confirmed there's a system-wide issue with the job search reporting function that they're still working on fixing. She took my job search details manually and noted in my file that I attempted to report multiple times before the deadline. My weekly claim is now properly filed. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions!
Final update: All three weeks of payments hit my bank account this morning! Such a relief. For anyone else in this situation - definitely call if your payments are pending more than a week after approval. Don't just wait and hope like I was doing!
Jacob Lee
As others have mentioned, WorkSource is your best bet for in-person help. I know the Tacoma location has specific hours for unemployment assistance. Also, if you're really struggling with the online application, you might qualify for assistance through their Priority service if you have limited English proficiency, disability, or technology barriers. Call the office directly to ask about this option.
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ApolloJackson
•What counts as technology barriers? Cause I definitely have those lol. My internet keeps cutting out and my computer is like 10 years old.
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Isabella Russo
Technology barriers can include lack of reliable internet access, not having a computer/smartphone, or inability to use the online system due to skills/knowledge. Definitely mention this when you contact WorkSource - they may be able to provide additional support or priority assistance.
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ApolloJackson
•Ok thanks for the advice everyone. Im gonna try WorkSource tomorrow and if that doesnt work will try that phone service someone mentioned.
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