Hey not to hijack this thread but has anyone else noticed that the payment amounts seem different lately? I used to get $672 but now I'm getting $695 and I didn't report any income changes. Is this normal??

UPDATE: The money just hit my account this morning! So it took exactly 4 business days after showing as 'paid' in the ESD system. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance. I think the holiday weekend definitely affected the timing.

Did you figure this out? I'm curious what the problem was. Also, for anyone else reading this thread in the future, ALWAYS appeal disqualifications even if you don't know why you were disqualified. You have limited time to file an appeal (usually 30 days from the date of the decision), and if you miss that window, you might lose your right to contest the decision regardless of the circumstances.

Yes! Finally got through to ESD this morning. You were right - my employer disputed the claim saying I had

Make sure your friend completes her weekly claims even while waiting for the initial determination! My brother almost lost out on back benefits because he didn't realize you need to keep filing every week even before they decide if you qualify. Also tell her to be ready to provide documentation about both the pension amount and which company it comes from.

One more important thing for your friend to be aware of: once she starts receiving unemployment benefits, she'll need to complete three job search activities each week and document them. Even though she's at retirement age, if she's collecting unemployment, ESD will expect her to be actively seeking work that's similar to her previous position. Make sure she knows to keep detailed records of all job search activities.

Make sure you track EVERYTHING if you take this job. I got hit with an overpayment because I estimated my hours one week when I couldn't find my timesheet. Keep a separate calendar just for your work hours and take screenshots of any communication about your schedule. ESD will eventually audit you and you'll need proof.

One additional consideration: if you decline this job offer, ESD might consider it refusing suitable work, which could jeopardize your current benefits entirely. When determining if work is "suitable," they look at factors like: - How the wages compare to the prevailing wage in your area for that type of work - Your physical fitness for the job - Risk to your health and safety - Your prior training and experience - The distance from your home They generally don't consider whether the pay is lower than your previous job if the offered wage is standard for that position in your area. So while this job pays less than your previous position, refusing it could potentially disqualify you from receiving any benefits at all. This makes the partial benefits route potentially more attractive than turning down the position.

Congratulations on your approval! Your case actually illustrates an important point about Washington's unemployment system. Under RCW 50.04.294, "misconduct" has a specific legal definition, and ordinary performance issues generally don't meet that threshold. Misconduct requires a willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interest, deliberate violations of reasonable rules, or carelessness that shows an intentional disregard of the employer's interest. Simply failing to meet increasing quotas or production standards doesn't typically qualify as misconduct unless there's evidence you were deliberately underperforming. That's why you were ultimately approved despite the employer terminating you for performance reasons.

OMG I CANT BELIEVE THE GOVERNORS OFFICE THING WORKED FOR ME TOO!!!! applied in December and nothing happened for 10 weeks, called the governors number last thursday and my claim was processed yesterday!!!!! everyone stuck in pending should try this!!!!!