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I know this doesn't help with your current situation but my brother has been roofing for 12 years and he got tired of the winter layoffs so he now works for a company that does interior renovations during winter months. Maybe look into something like that for next year so you don't have to deal with ESD's ridiculous standby rules? Just a thought... good luck either way!
Just wanted to check back - did you get any resolution to your issues? Were you able to get the standby extended or get your identity verification processed?
A bit of good news actually! My boss submitted the proper paperwork with a projected return date (he just estimated 6 weeks from now), and my standby got approved yesterday. Still waiting on the identity verification though. I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned to see if I can get through to a human who might be able to expedite it. Thanks for checking back!
Update on my situation - I took everyone's advice and reported both job offers on my weekly claim yesterday. I got a notification this morning that my claim is now under review and benefits are on hold. Great. Now I'm completely screwed if I don't get this resolved before rent is due. Has anyone successfully navigated adjudication quickly? I'm starting to panic.
This is actually a normal part of the process when you report a refused job offer. The adjudicator needs to determine if you had good cause for refusing work. Make sure you've uploaded all documentation showing both job offers, with the higher pay rate clearly visible for the January position. The good news is that these types of adjudications are generally straightforward when you have clear documentation of accepting alternate employment.
I just wanted to follow up - did you get this resolved? I've seen similar situations get cleared up within 7-10 days when all the documentation is properly submitted. If you're still stuck in adjudication, you might want to try contacting your state representative's office. They often have dedicated staff who can expedite ESD issues.
Thanks for checking back! It took 9 days, but my adjudication was resolved in my favor. The adjudicator agreed that accepting the higher-paying January position was reasonable grounds for declining the immediate job. I'm continuing to claim benefits until my new job starts. Really appreciate everyone's help here!
lol my friend had his dog's name show up on his claim last year!!!! 🐕 ESD system is sooooo broken haha. glad u got it fixed tho
Update: I called the number today and successfully filed my weekly claim by phone! It took about 10 minutes going through all the questions, and I felt much more confident that everything was processed correctly. The automated system confirmed my claim was received at the end. Such a relief after all the website problems!
my cousin said u have to do the job search activities for all those back weeks too did anyone else have to do that??
Yes, technically you need to report 3 job search activities for each week you're claiming, even backdated ones. However, if you explain that you didn't know you needed to document them during your appeal, some agents will allow you to complete them retroactively or may provide a temporary exemption based on your specific situation. Have your job search logs ready when you call, even if they're incomplete. Better to have something than nothing.
Quick update - I called this morning (got through surprisingly quickly) and the agent confirmed I need to wait until Sunday to file my first claim after restart. She also helped me file for the 4 backdated weeks during my appeal! I had to verbally provide job search activities for each week, so I'm glad I kept rough notes of places I applied even when I wasn't getting paid. Thanks everyone for the help! Hope this thread helps someone else navigate the confusing restart process after winning an appeal.
Kara Yoshida
Something else to consider is taxes! Even though your income won't affect his benefits, remember that unemployment is taxable income. So when you file taxes next year, your combined income might put you in a higher tax bracket. Not saying don't take the job! Just something to be aware of so you're not surprised at tax time.
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Elliott luviBorBatman
•That's a really good point I hadn't considered! I'll make sure we set aside some money for taxes if I take this position. Definitely don't want a surprise tax bill!
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Demi Hall
Just to follow up on what others have correctly stated - Washington ESD only looks at the individual claimant's income when determining eligibility and weekly benefit amounts. Your employment status and income have no direct impact on your husband's unemployment benefits. The system is designed this way specifically to encourage families to maintain or increase household income during periods of partial employment. Taking the job will simply add to your total household income rather than replacing his benefits. One additional note: if your husband finds part-time work, he may still qualify for partial unemployment benefits if he earns less than his weekly benefit amount. In that case, ESD would deduct a portion of his earnings from his benefit (not your earnings).
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Elliott luviBorBatman
•Thank you for the follow-up! I think I'm going to accept the job offer tomorrow. It's such a relief knowing we can have both income sources while he continues looking for something in his field. I really appreciate everyone's help clarifying this!
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