Update: Finally got through to an ESD agent this morning. The 'reversed' decision means the judge overturned ESD's original approval of my benefits. The agent confirmed I'll be receiving an overpayment notice for about $5,800 in benefits I've already received. I can either pay it back in full, request a payment plan, or file for a waiver if I can prove financial hardship. I'm also going to appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office within the 30-day window. The agent said I should focus on showing why the judge didn't correctly apply the law to my situation rather than just restating my original arguments. Thanks everyone for your help with understanding this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! I went through something similar last year and the uncertainty is awful. One thing that helped me was getting a copy of the judge's written decision as soon as possible - it should spell out exactly why they reversed ESD's original decision and what specific law or regulation they based it on. This information will be crucial if you decide to appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office. Also, when you apply for that payment plan, ask if they can put a hold on collection activities while your Commissioner appeal is pending. Some people have success with this, though it's not guaranteed. Document everything and keep copies of all correspondence. Hang in there!

I was in a very similar situation recently! My benefits ended in August, I worked part-time for about 4 months, then got my hours drastically reduced in December. Filed a new claim in January and it was actually pretty straightforward. Since you've been working since your last claim ended, you'll definitely need to file a completely new claim - don't try to reopen the old one. The Washington ESD website has gotten much better lately, and the whole application took me about 20 minutes. Make sure you have your recent pay stubs, employer contact info, and any separation paperwork ready before you start. My new claim was approved within about 10 days, which was way faster than I expected. One thing that helped me was using the eligibility tool on the ESD website first to make sure I was on the right track. Don't delay filing - every week you wait is potential money lost if you do qualify. Good luck!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago! After my claim ended, I worked part-time for about 6 months before getting laid off again. You absolutely can reapply - no waiting period needed since you've been working. The key is to file a NEW claim, not reopen your old one. Since you worked after your benefit year ended, Washington ESD will look at your recent wages to calculate your new benefits. I actually ended up with a higher weekly benefit amount because I was earning more at my recent job than when I first filed years ago. The online application is pretty straightforward - just have all your recent employer info, pay stubs, and separation notice ready. It took me about 25 minutes to complete and my claim was approved in about a week and a half. Don't stress too much about it - layoffs due to reduced hours are usually processed quickly since the reason for separation is clear cut.

I went through a similar situation when I had to close my coffee shop last year. One thing I'd add is to make sure you document the reason for closure (rising rent costs in your case) in your final paperwork with Washington ESD. This helps establish that it's an involuntary business closure rather than voluntary, which can be important for your employees' unemployment claims and potentially for you if you ever start another business. Also, consider reaching out to your local SCORE chapter - they sometimes have resources for business closure assistance that I wish I'd known about earlier.

I'm sorry to hear about your shop closure, but it sounds like you're approaching this responsibly. One thing I wanted to mention that I don't see covered yet - when you do your final payroll, Washington state requires that final paychecks be paid immediately upon termination (same day) rather than on your normal pay schedule. This is different from regular payroll timing rules. Also, if you have any accrued vacation time or PTO policies, you'll need to pay those out according to your company policy or Washington state law. Make sure to factor these immediate payout requirements into your closure timeline and cash flow planning.

To summarize for you and anyone else who might be searching for this info in the future: 1. FMLA = Unpaid job protection (federal), no weekly claims needed 2. PFML = Paid Family & Medical Leave (WA state), apply once at paidleave.wa.gov or call 833-717-2273 3. UI = Regular unemployment (job loss), weekly claims at 800-318-6022 For your situation (surgery recovery), PFML is almost certainly what you need. The benefit can be up to 90% of your weekly wage depending on your income. Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

Just wanted to add that if you're worried about timing, you can actually apply for PFML up to 30 days before your leave starts OR up to 60 days after it begins. So even if you've already started your medical leave, you're not too late to apply! I made the mistake of waiting too long thinking I had missed the window, but the 60-day rule saved me. Also, make sure to keep all your medical documentation organized - you'll need it for the application and sometimes they ask for additional info later. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be once I actually started it.

One last tip - if you're having trouble remembering to file every Sunday, set up calendar reminders or phone alarms. Missing even one week can cause delays and headaches you don't need when you're already dealing with unemployment stress.

Just wanted to add - if you set up direct deposit, make sure your bank info is correct in your Washington ESD account before your first payment. I had a friend who had to wait an extra week because there was a typo in her account number. The weekly schedule is great once everything is set up properly, but small mistakes can cause delays you really don't want when you're counting on that money.