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Will ESD deduct partial earnings under 50% of my weekly benefit amount?
Quick question about reporting part-time earnings on my weekly claim. I'm helping a friend with inventory at her store tonight (just ONE night, not a regular job). I'll make about $100 for the 6-hour shift. I'm confused about how ESD handles small earnings. Some websites say if you earn less than 50% of your weekly benefit amount (mine is $650), they don't deduct anything. Other sources say they deduct a percentage of whatever you earn. Can anyone clarify this? If I report the $100, will they: 1. Deduct nothing since it's under 50% of my benefit? 2. Reduce my payment by some percentage of the $100? 3. Deduct the full $100? I want to report everything correctly, but I'm trying to figure out exactly what to expect in my next payment. Thanks!
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Changed direct deposit info and ESD triggered fraud verification - what to expect?
Hey everyone, just wanted to give others a heads up about something that happened with my ESD account. I switched to a new bank last week (my old one was charging ridiculous fees), so I updated my direct deposit information in eServices yesterday. Within 2 hours, I got an email saying my account was flagged for a fraud check and I had to upload photos of my ID and selfie through their secure portal. \n\nI wasn't expecting this and now I'm worried about how long my payments will be delayed. I have a weekly claim due this Sunday, and rent coming up fast. Has anyone gone through this ID verification process recently? How long did it take for them to review your documents and release payments? Just trying to prepare myself for possible delays.
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ESD benefits exhausted - Any way to get an extension in 2025 after applying to hundreds of jobs?
I've officially hit the end of my regular UI benefits as of last week (received the official notice from ESD yesterday). I'm absolutely desperate at this point. Over the past 4 months, I've applied to literally 350+ jobs in healthcare administration (my field for 7 years before layoff) and have only gotten 3 interviews that went nowhere. I've been doing all the required job search activities and more - networking events, WorkSource workshops, everything they suggest. My lease is up for renewal next month and rent is increasing by $275. I've heard rumors that there might be some kind of extension program for people who've exhausted benefits but are actively searching? Does this actually exist in WA state right now? Has anyone successfully gotten more weeks of benefits after exhausting their regular claim? I'm down to my last $680 in savings and honestly don't know what I'll do if something doesn't change soon.
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Does anyone know if you need to keep filing weekly claims even after benefits are exhausted? I'm confused about whether I should keep doing this or if it's pointless?? The ESD website has conflicting info.
Yes, you should continue filing weekly claims even after exhausting benefits if you're still unemployed. This serves two purposes: 1) It maintains your claim as active in case any extensions become available later, and 2) It provides accurate unemployment data that could potentially trigger extended benefits if enough people are reporting continued unemployment. The system won't pay you during this time, but keeping your claim active is important.
Just out of curiosity have you tried looking at remote work in other states? I know someone who couldn't find anything locally but got hired by a company in Colorado for remote healthcare admin work. Might be worth expanding your search geographically since so many places are remote now?
That's a really good point. I've mostly been focusing on jobs within WA state. I'll definitely expand my search to include remote positions nationwide. Thanks for the suggestion!
Can I get ESD benefits if I need time off for weekly chemo treatments?
I've been diagnosed with cancer and am starting weekly chemotherapy treatments soon. My job is physically demanding (construction) and my doctor says I shouldn't be working during treatment. I'm wondering if I can ask my employer to lay me off so I can collect unemployment while I'm going through chemo? I've been with the company for 3 years. Would ESD approve my claim since technically I'd be available for some kind of work, just not my regular job? Also, would my employer be required to hold my position for when I'm healthy again? The treatments might take 4-6 months. I really need the income but don't want to mess anything up legally.
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Has anyone actually gotten PFML in Washington recently? I hear the system is completely broken and payments are super delayed??
YES it's STILL a mess in 2025! My claim from January just got fully processed last week. I had to call literally every other day. The online system shows nothing useful and the status updates are completely wrong. The only way I made progress was getting through to actual agents who could fix things in their system.
To follow up on your question about the PFML application process - it's not overly complicated, but it does require coordination with your healthcare provider. Here's a quick overview: 1. Create an account on the PFML portal through ESD 2. Start your application (you can save and return to it) 3. Your healthcare provider will need to complete a certification form 4. Submit documentation about your employment and wages 5. You'll receive a determination within 2-3 weeks typically Since your treatments start in 2 weeks, start the application immediately. There's a waiting week before benefits begin. Also, PFML can be taken intermittently, which might be helpful for a weekly chemo schedule if you're able to work some days. As others have mentioned, the system can have delays, so persistence is key if you encounter issues.
This is extremely helpful, thank you. I'll start the application today and get the certification form to my oncologist right away. Really appreciate everyone's advice here!
Late appeal for ESD overpayment - options after judge ruled against me?
I totally messed up and missed the deadline to appeal my ESD overpayment notice ($5,800). I just had my hearing with the administrative law judge last week, but since my appeal was filed late and my reason for being late wasn't considered 'good cause' (basically I was dealing with a family emergency and forgot to check my mail for a few weeks), the judge ruled against me. Now I'm panicking because I can't afford to pay this back! Does anyone know if I have any options left at this point? Can I appeal the judge's decision somehow? Or is there any way to get the overpayment waived even after losing the appeal? I'm really desperate and don't know what to do next.
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Just remember that ESD is NOT on your side! They'll find ANY reason to deny your waiver request! A friend of mine got denied because she had $1,200 in her checking account when they reviewed her case - they said that meant she could afford to pay back the overpayment! BE CAREFUL what financial info you share!!!
I understand the concern, but you do need to be honest on your financial disclosure for the waiver. Providing incomplete information can result in automatic denial or even potential fraud issues. One last thing - if both your petition and waiver are denied, you can still negotiate a payment plan with ESD. They can go as low as $25-50 per month based on your financial situation. While not ideal, it's better than having the full amount sent to collections, which would impact your credit score and potentially lead to tax refund interception.
That makes sense. I'll be honest but thorough with my financial information. If all else fails, a small monthly payment would be manageable. Thanks again for all the helpful advice!
Noah Torres
wait i just remembered somethin else - make sure u answer YES to the "were u able and available for work" question even tho u worked that one shift. i messed that up once and had to deal with a whole thing with ESD
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Michael Adams
AuthorThanks for the reminder! These weekly claim questions can be confusing sometimes.
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Natalie Wang
To summarize for the original poster and anyone else wondering about part-time earnings: 1. Always report ALL earnings in the week you WORKED (not when you get paid) 2. ESD deducts 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit 3. Report actual worked hours (don't include unpaid breaks) 4. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount and still get some UI 5. Working part-time always leaves you financially better off than not working Hope this helps!
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Michael Adams
AuthorThis is super helpful, thank you! I feel much more confident about how to handle my weekly claim now. Will definitely report the $100 and expect about a $75 reduction in my benefit for the week.
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