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One more thing to keep in mind - if your final check includes regular wages AND vacation/PTO payout, you need to report the full amount (both regular wages and vacation payout) for the week you receive it. ESD considers all of that as income for benefit calculation purposes.
That's really helpful to know. My final check does include some unused PTO hours, so I'll make sure to include the full amount. Thanks again for all the helpful information everyone!
Just wanted to add one more tip from my experience - when you report that final paycheck, make sure you have your paystub handy even though you might not need to upload it right away. ESD sometimes does random audits and may ask for documentation later. I kept digital copies of all my final pay documents just in case. Also, if your employer gave you any severance pay along with your final check, that counts as income too and needs to be reported for the week you receive it. Better to be thorough upfront than deal with complications later!
Great advice about keeping documentation! I hadn't thought about potential audits. Quick question - when you say severance counts as income, does that mean it could affect my weekly benefit amount even if it's just a one-time payment? I'm hoping my employer might offer something small but don't want it to mess up multiple weeks of benefits.
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I'm dealing with something similar and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been hesitant to apply to remote positions because I got conflicting advice from different WorkSource locations. One office told me remote applications were fine, another said they were "risky" during audits. It sounds like the key is proper documentation and applying to legitimate positions you're actually qualified for. I'm definitely going to start taking screenshots of everything after reading about @Nolan Carter's audit nightmare. Has anyone had success with remote applications specifically in tech/IT roles? That's my field and most opportunities seem to be remote now.
I'm in tech too and have had great success with remote applications counting toward my job search requirements! I've been applying to software engineering positions on AngelList, Stack Overflow Jobs, and company websites directly. ESD has never questioned my remote tech applications during reviews. The tech industry is definitely moving toward remote-first, so these are totally legitimate opportunities. Just make sure you're applying to roles that match your skill level - don't apply for senior positions if you're entry-level, as that could raise flags during an audit. I keep a spreadsheet tracking company name, position title, salary range, and application date for each one. Tech companies are usually really good about sending confirmation emails too, so documentation is easier than other industries.
@Liam Brown I m'also in tech data (science/analytics and) have been applying to remote positions exclusively since my field is pretty much all remote now. I ve'never had any issues with ESD questioning these applications. Most of the major companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, etc. are hiring remote-first now, so these are definitely legitimate positions. The key things I ve'learned from this thread are: 1 Keep) detailed documentation of each application, 2 Take) screenshots of job postings before they potentially get removed, 3 Make) sure you re'applying to roles you re'actually qualified for. I use a simple Google Sheet to track everything - company, position, date applied, job posting URL, and confirmation email received. Haven t'had any audit issues so far. The tech market is tough right now but at least we don t'have to worry about our remote applications not counting toward requirements!
This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in a similar boat where I've been applying to remote positions because they're the best fit for my situation right now. The conflicting information from different sources was making me really anxious about whether I was doing the right thing. It's so reassuring to hear directly from @Caleb Bell that ESD confirmed remote applications DO count when done properly. I'm definitely going to start being more meticulous about my documentation - keeping screenshots of job postings, confirmation emails, and maintaining a detailed spreadsheet with all the info everyone mentioned. It sounds like the key is just making sure you're applying to legitimate positions you're qualified for and can accept if offered. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the warnings about audits!
@Collins Angel I m'so glad this thread helped you too! I was in the exact same situation - getting mixed messages and feeling really anxious about whether I was doing things correctly. It s'such a relief to have the official confirmation from ESD. I ve'already started implementing the documentation tips everyone shared here, especially taking screenshots of the actual job postings since apparently they can disappear before audits happen. The spreadsheet idea with all the detailed tracking seems like the way to go. It s'crazy how much misinformation is floating around about this topic - I m'just grateful we could all share our experiences and get to the bottom of it. Good luck with your remote job search!
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Summary for anyone else in this situation: You can't collect unemployment while medically unable to work, but once you're cleared by your doctor you can file if you meet all other eligibility requirements. Make sure you have childcare arranged and are genuinely available for work. Document everything and be prepared for potential delays in processing.
Perfect summary! This thread has been so helpful. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice.
Glad we could help! Feel free to post again if you run into issues when you're ready to file.
I went through something similar with my second baby. One thing that really helped was getting familiar with WorkSource Washington's online resources before I was ready to file. They have career assessment tools and job search workshops that you can access from home. I did some of their online modules during maternity leave so I'd be better prepared when I was ready to actively job search. Also, if you're in a rural area, remember that you can apply for jobs anywhere in the state - remote work options have really expanded since the pandemic. The key is showing Washington ESD that you're serious about finding work once you're physically able. Good luck mama!
This is such practical advice! I didn't even think about using WorkSource while I'm still recovering. Starting those career assessments now could really help me feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when I'm ready to actually file. The remote work angle is interesting too - I was only thinking about local retail jobs like my old one, but maybe there are other options I haven't considered. Thanks for the encouragement!
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MAKE SURE you keep doing your job search activities during the severance period!!! I messed this up and lost weeks of benefits because I thought I didn't need to do job search until my benefits actually started. You need 3 job search activities each week even during the severance period if you want to claim those weeks later.
Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about that part. So I need to be doing the 3 job search activities per week starting immediately after my last working day, not after the severance ends? That's really important information - thank you!
One more thing to be aware of: When you report your severance on your initial application, make sure you select the correct classification. There's a difference between "severance pay" and "continuation of wages" in how ESD treats them. Since you're staying on payroll with benefits for 8 weeks, this sounds like continuation of wages. Be very specific when reporting this to avoid adjudication delays.
That's a really helpful distinction. My separation letter calls it a "severance package" but describes it as "continued salary and benefits for 8 weeks." I'll make sure to classify it correctly as continuation of wages when I apply. I really appreciate everyone's help with this!
Just wanted to add - when you do apply, keep copies of all your severance documentation (separation letter, any HR communications about the continuation of wages). If there's any confusion during processing, having those documents ready can really speed up the adjudication process. I learned this the hard way when ESD needed clarification on my severance terms and it delayed my claim by several weeks.
Zane Hernandez
One last thing - make sure you file your weekly claims every week even during adjudication. Don't wait until you get approved or you could miss out on benefits for those weeks. The system is pretty specific about this requirement.
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Alexander Evans
•Good to know! I'll make sure to file weekly claims right from the start.
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Zane Hernandez
•Exactly. It's one of the most common mistakes people make when filing for unemployment.
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Ava Rodriguez
I went through almost the exact same situation last year - got fired from my logistics job for "performance issues" but it was really just unrealistic expectations and constantly changing metrics. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 10 days because there was no documentation of misconduct. The key thing is that performance struggles aren't the same as willful misconduct. Since you were genuinely trying to do your job and they never gave you proper written warnings, you should be in good shape. Don't let the stress get to you too much - file that claim ASAP and focus on your job search. You've got this!
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