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Just to clarify based on some misinformation in this thread: 401k withdrawals are typically only counted for the week they're received. However, if you're receiving systematic/periodic payments from your retirement account (like monthly distributions), those CAN affect multiple weeks. Based on your description, you took a one-time withdrawal, which should only affect the one week. If you're concerned, check your ESD account online - look at 'Payment History' and it should show if future payments are being held or if just the one week was affected. Also, be aware that taking 401k withdrawals while on unemployment can sometimes trigger additional verification requirements, so keep an eye on your ESD messages in case they request any documentation about the withdrawal.
UPDATE: I just checked my ESD account and filed this week's claim (with no additional income to report) and it shows as 'processing' with the full benefit amount! Looks like it's just a one-week impact after all. Thanks everyone for your help and clearing this up for me. The stress was really getting to me!
Wait are holiday furloughs even eligible for unemployment? My company does this too but HR told us we shouldn't file because it's planned in advance or something. Now I'm confused if I've been missing out on benefits I could've claimed...
Your HR is incorrect. Temporary layoffs/furloughs absolutely qualify for unemployment in Washington, even if they're planned in advance. The determining factor is whether you're experiencing a reduction/loss of work and wages through no fault of your own - which a furlough definitely is. You should absolutely file when furloughed.
Update: I reopened my claim yesterday and selected "TEMPORARY LAYOFF" as everyone suggested. I made sure to enter my return-to-work date and answered "Yes" when asked if I'm returning to the same employer. The system accepted my application without any errors, so hopefully it goes through smoothly! I'll update again once I know if it gets approved or stuck in adjudication. Thanks everyone for your help!
Glad to hear it worked out for both of you! The ESD agent I spoke with mentioned their payment status system often lags 1-2 days behind actual payments during these processing delays. Definitely worth checking your bank account directly rather than just relying on the ESD portal status.
I had a similar situation in 2024 and what tripped me up was that I didn't realize I needed to list my temp job as a new employer. When reopening, make sure you have the company name, address, phone number, first/last work date, and reason for separation ready. If you select "temporary job ended" as your reason for separation, you generally won't have issues with adjudication (that's when they investigate job separations). Also important: if your benefit year is close to ending, double-check the date in your eServices account. If you're within a few weeks of that end date, the process might be different.
To directly answer your follow-up question: Yes, you'll reopen first, then file for the week including those last 3 days worked (reporting those earnings), and then you'll be back to regular weekly claims after that. Make sure you're also keeping track of your job search activities - you still need 3 per week starting the week after your last work day. So if Thursday was your last day, you need 3 job search activities for the following week.
Sunny Wang
have u tried messaging ur state representative?? thats wat i did after waiting 9 wks and suddenly my claim got fixed in 3 days!! they can do something called a "legislative inquiry" that puts ur claim at the top of someones list. worth a try b4 u go thru all that job application stuff lol
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Tobias Lancaster
•Really? I never thought of trying that route. I'm going to look up who my rep is right now. Thanks for the tip!
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Hugh Intensity
I share your frustration with the system, but I'd caution against assuming the delays are due to incompetence or poor management. The reality is that ESD is dealing with an antiquated computer system that was scheduled for replacement before the pandemic hit. The claims process involves multiple verification points through different agencies and employers, and adjudication specifically means there's some discrepancy that requires human investigation. If you're serious about applying, search for "Unemployment Insurance Specialist" or "Employment Security Specialist" on careers.wa.gov. But be aware - the starting pay isn't great considering the technical knowledge required (around $22-28/hour depending on experience), and the pressure can be intense when you're dealing with people who are desperate for their benefits. In the meantime, have you tried requesting an expedite on your claim due to financial hardship? There's a specific process for this that can sometimes help.
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Tobias Lancaster
•Thank you for the reality check and the specific job titles. I didn't know about the expedite option - how exactly do I request that? At this point I'm genuinely facing eviction if I don't get some income soon.
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Hugh Intensity
•To request an expedite due to financial hardship, call the claims center and specifically state that you need to request a hardship expedite. Be prepared to briefly explain your situation (facing eviction, utilities being shut off, etc.). You can also upload documentation of the hardship (eviction notice, final utility bills) to your eServices account under "Upload a Document" and select "Hardship Documentation" as the document type. This won't guarantee immediate resolution, but it can move your case up in priority.
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