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Hey just checking in - did u have any luck with WorkSource or finding some temp work? The construction industry usually picks up in spring so maybe things will get better soon???
Thanks for checking in! I had an appointment with WorkSource yesterday and they were actually pretty helpful. They connected me with a staffing agency that specializes in construction and they might have a 3-month project starting next week. It's not ideal but would definitely help with bills while I continue looking for something permanent. Also applied for SNAP benefits yesterday. Trying to stay positive!
I'm dealing with this RIGHT NOW! Had taxes taken out all last year, thought everything was fine. Then in February 2025 got a notice saying I had an overpayment from weeks in August 2024 because my employer contested my claim saying I quit instead of being laid off. Now I owe $2,750 back even though I spent that money months ago on rent and food. Is anyone here good at writing appeals? I have 30 days to respond and I'm panicking!!!
For an appeal, focus on documenting why you believed you were laid off rather than quit. Gather any emails, texts, or written communications from your employer. Appeal forms are on the ESD website under the "Submit an Appeal" section. You'll need your determination letter details. Be specific about dates and facts, not emotional arguments. If you need help, the Unemployment Law Project offers free assistance with appeals: https://unemploymentlawproject.org/
To wrap up the original question: Tax withholding only addresses the tax liability on legitimate benefits. It won't protect you from overpayment determinations. For peace of mind, I recommend: 1. Keep detailed records of all weekly claims and job search activities for at least 3 years 2. Save copies of any ESD correspondence (take screenshots of online notices) 3. Set aside a small emergency fund if possible to cover potential overpayments 4. Make sure your wife responds immediately to any ESD requests or questionnaires Most people who diligently follow the rules never experience overpayment issues, but having documentation ready just in case is always smart.
One thing to be aware of: While you're not responsible for your employer's tax obligations, if it turns out they misreported your wages (showing you earned less than you actually did), ESD might issue an overpayment if they later correct those wage records and it affects your benefit calculation. If you're concerned, I'd recommend keeping good records of all your paystubs, W-2s, and any communication about your layoff. Also, double-check that the wage amount shown on your ESD monetary determination letter matches what you actually earned.
That's a good point. I just checked my monetary determination letter and the quarterly earnings look accurate compared to my actual pay. So it seems like they reported my wages correctly, they just might not have been paying the proper taxes on them. I'll keep monitoring my claim status just to be safe.
hey just wondering did u get paid under the table at all?? cuz thats a whole different issue than just the tax withholding thing
Anastasia Kozlov
not to hijack but sorta related question - does the waiting week also happen if you're on standby status when your benefit year ends? my employer has me on partial unemployment with standby and my benefit year ends next month
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CosmicCrusader
•Yes, unfortunately it does. Even with standby status, the benefit year end triggers the same process - you'll need to reestablish your claim and serve another waiting week. Make sure your employer updates your standby status for the new benefit year if needed. The standby approval doesn't automatically carry over.
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Freya Andersen
Just for clarity: when your benefit year ends, ESD must by law treat it as a new claim. This means: 1. You must meet eligibility requirements again 2. Your benefit amount may change based on your work history during the past year 3. You must serve another waiting week 4. Any ongoing issues like adjudication will usually need to be addressed again It helps to think of it as completely starting over rather than a continuation. The system is designed this way to ensure people are still eligible under current circumstances, not just based on their situation from a year ago.
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Malik Jackson
•Update: I was able to get through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The agent confirmed everything people said here - the waiting week is required by law and can't be waived. She did verify that everything else on my claim looks good though, so payments should resume normally after the waiting week. She also helped me adjust my payment method to direct deposit instead of the debit card to speed things up in the future. Still frustrated about the gap, but at least I know exactly what's happening now.
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