The whole COVID unemployment tax situation was a MESS! Not only did they change rules midway, but then some states followed the federal exemption and others didn't! Washington eventually conformed to the federal exemption for 2020, but I had friends in other states who had to pay state tax even when they got the federal exemption. And don't even get me started on how ESD handled the tax documents - I got THREE different 1099-Gs for 2020 with different amounts!

Here's another important point: if you did have the $10,200 exemption in 2020 but didn't claim it (many people filed before the law passed in March 2021), the IRS was supposed to automatically adjust your return and issue refunds. Many people got these refunds in summer/fall 2021. If you were eligible but never received an adjustment for your 2020 return, you might want to check on that. The IRS had a huge backlog, so some adjustments may have fallen through the cracks.

wait i thought the rules changed in 2025? my friend told me ESD is more strict now about what counts as good cause to quit

Thanks everyone for your advice! Update: I filed my appeal yesterday emphasizing the gender-based nature of the harassment, included all my documentation (emails, texts, HR complaint copies, doctor's note about anxiety/insomnia), and submitted a statement from a coworker who witnessed some of the incidents. I also got through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned (it actually worked!), and the agent was really helpful. She explained that the initial adjudicator might have missed the gender discrimination aspect of my claim. She also said my appeal looks strong based on what I described. Fingers crossed the appeal works out. I'll update when I hear something!

THE ESD SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS!!! i had something similar happen and even though i notified them IMMEDIATELY about starting a new job, they still paid me unemployment for 2 weeks and then sent me a overpayment notice 3 MONTHS LATER claiming i committed fraud!!! i've been fighting it for 4 months now. document EVERYTHING and send it through multiple channels - secure message, regular mail, AND try to call. don't trust their system to work correctly!!!

I see a lot of panic in this thread, but I want to reassure you that your situation is actually pretty straightforward. Since you haven't been paid any UI benefits yet (they're still in adjudication), you're in a good position. The main risk comes when you've actually received payments from both programs. To summarize what you should do: 1. Stop filing weekly UI claims immediately 2. Send a secure message requesting withdrawal (use exact language: "I request to withdraw my unemployment claim effective [date] due to approval of my PFMLA claim") 3. Print or screenshot the message for your records 4. Try calling, but don't stress if you can't get through 5. Proceed with your PFMLA claim as directed Keep in mind that PFMLA has different weekly certification requirements than UI, so be sure to follow those carefully.

Just to add some clarity about students and unemployment requirements: 1. Being a full-time student doesn't automatically exempt you from job search requirements 2. However, your student schedule can affect your "available for work" status 3. Make sure you've accurately reported your school schedule when filing your claim 4. ESD might conduct a special review for students to determine if your studies restrict your availability If ESD determines your school schedule significantly limits when you can work, they might adjust your job search requirements or determine you're not eligible. This review process could be why your job search reporting section disappeared temporarily.

Update: I finally got through to ESD! It turns out there was a flag on my account for a student review, which temporarily removed the job search reporting option. The agent confirmed I still need to do my 3 job searches weekly and reactivated the reporting section. She also added a note to my account showing I've been compliant. For anyone else having this issue: keep detailed records of ALL your job searches even if you can't report them online. I've been taking screenshots of all my applications and saving them with dates. The agent said this was smart and would protect me in case of an audit. Thanks everyone for your help! What a stressful experience.

Wait did you move recently? My cousin had the same problem and it turned out his address didn't match on all his documents cuz he moved. ESD is super picky about that stuff. Might be worth checking.

I want to follow up on my earlier comment. If you've been waiting 7+ weeks for ID verification, you should absolutely request an escalation. Contact your state legislative district's representatives - both your House reps and Senator. You can find them here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ Send them all an email explaining your situation, including: - Your full name - Your claim ID number - Date you applied - Date you submitted ID documents - Brief description of your financial situation Legislative inquiries typically get fast-tracked at ESD. I've seen cases resolved within 1-2 business days after a legislator's office gets involved. Also, make sure to include in your weekly claims that you're actively looking for work and completing at least 3 job search activities each week. That will prevent any additional issues once your ID verification is resolved.