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This is such a helpful thread! I was laid off from my retail job last month and had been feeling guilty about applying for benefits, thinking I was somehow taking money from taxpayers or being a burden on the system. Learning that it's actually funded entirely by employer taxes in Washington makes me feel so much better about using this safety net while I search for new work. It's amazing how they've designed it as a true insurance system - employers pay the premiums and we get coverage when we need it most. Thanks to everyone who explained how the experience rating works too - now I understand why some companies are so hesitant to do layoffs even when business is slow.
I'm so glad this thread helped you too! The guilt around collecting unemployment is so common but completely unnecessary. You earned those benefits through your work history, and the system exists specifically to help people like us during job transitions. It's reassuring to know that employers have been paying into this insurance system all along - makes it feel less like charity and more like what it actually is: earned benefits. Good luck with your job search!
As someone who just went through a layoff myself, I really appreciate how thorough everyone has been in explaining this! I had the same confusion as the original poster - I kept looking for unemployment deductions on my paystubs and couldn't find any. It's actually pretty brilliant how Washington has structured this as a true insurance system where employers bear the cost burden rather than employees. What really struck me from reading through all these responses is how the experience rating system creates incentives for companies to maintain stable employment - employers who lay off more workers pay higher rates, which encourages them to find alternatives when possible. For anyone else feeling hesitant about filing, remember that this isn't a government handout - it's insurance coverage that your employers have been paying for throughout your entire work history in Washington. You've earned these benefits just by working and contributing to the economy.
One more thing - if you do end up filing, make sure you file as soon as possible after you lose your job. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, even if you were eligible.
This thread was super helpful! I was wondering about the same thing for my situation. Thanks for asking the question OP!
That's such a relief that it was just a simple checkbox error! I'm glad the Claimyr service worked for you - I've been hesitant to try third-party services but your experience makes it sound legitimate. It's crazy how one accidental click can cause so much stress and worry. Thanks for coming back to update everyone on what the actual issue was and how you resolved it. This will definitely help other people who face the same problem.
Exactly! I was panicking thinking my entire unemployment claim was ruined over what ended up being a simple mistake. It's so easy to misread those questions or accidentally click the wrong answer. The Claimyr service really was a game changer - I was skeptical at first too but after spending hours trying to call directly with no luck, it was worth every penny to actually get through to a human. Hopefully this thread helps other people realize that rejected claims aren't the end of the world and there are solutions available.
This is exactly why I always screenshot my weekly claim answers before submitting! It's so easy to accidentally click the wrong button, especially when you're filing quickly. I learned this the hard way after getting a rejection for accidentally saying I wasn't available for work when I meant to say I was. Now I take my time and double-check every single answer. The Washington ESD questions can be confusing with their wording - like the "did you attend school" question that tripped you up. Great advice about Claimyr too, I've heard good things about it from others in this community.
Just want to echo what everyone else said - timing matters a LOT with unemployment claims. File the week you become unemployed, not before and definitely not weeks later. You've got this!
Just wanted to add one more important detail - when you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter that shows your weekly benefit amount and how long your benefits will last. Keep this letter safe because you'll need it if any issues come up later. Also, if you disagree with the benefit amount or qualification decision, you have a limited time to appeal (I think it's 30 days), so don't ignore that paperwork when it arrives!
Ravi Patel
Thanks everyone for all the info. I feel way more confident about taking this part-time job now. Going to accept the offer tomorrow!
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Miguel Alvarez
•Good luck! And remember Claimyr is there if you need to talk to Washington ESD about anything.
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Sofia Martinez
•Thanks for starting this thread, really helped me understand how it all works.
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Diez Ellis
I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Working part-time while on unemployment is definitely allowed and honestly saved me financially. The key things that helped me: 1) Report your earnings the week you work (not when you get paid), 2) Be prepared for your claim to potentially get flagged for review the first week or two - this is normal, 3) Keep detailed records of your hours and pay, and 4) Don't forget you still need to do your job search requirements. At 20 hours and $16/hour, you're looking at around $320 gross per week, so after the $5 deduction you'd still get a decent chunk of your regular unemployment benefit. The math really does work in your favor!
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