The whole system exists to help people get back on their feet after job loss. Don't feel bad about using it - you paid into this insurance through your paychecks. That's literally what it's for!

Just wanted to add that when you file your initial claim, make sure to file it for the week you actually lost your job, not when you decided to apply. The system will ask for your last day of work, and that determines your benefit year start date. Also, keep copies of everything you submit - screenshots, confirmation numbers, etc. The system can be glitchy sometimes and having records of what you submitted can save you headaches later if there are any discrepancies.

Update: Just had my WorkSource appointment this morning and wanted to share for others in my situation. It was much better than expected! The counselor was actually close to retirement herself and totally understood my challenges. We talked about age-friendly employers in my area and she connected me with their 55+ program coordinator. They're helping me apply for a part-time bookkeeping position with a non-profit that specifically values experienced workers. She also explained exactly how to handle my job search requirements when I start receiving Social Security next month. Thanks everyone for the advice and support!

Congratulations on having such a positive experience, Mateo! Your update gives me hope as someone who's been dreading my own upcoming WorkSource appointment. I'm 63 and was laid off from my HR position three weeks ago after 20 years with the same company. Like you, I've been getting the "overqualified" response from employers, which is really just code for "too old" in my experience. It's encouraging to hear they have dedicated programs for our age group and that some counselors really do understand our unique challenges. I'm definitely going to ask about the 55+ program coordinator when I go in next week. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience - it really helps to know what to expect!

Thanks everyone for all the responses! Sounds like the consensus is that selling personal belongings isn't income I need to report, as long as I'm not running a business. I'll keep records just in case but I feel much better about selling some stuff now. Really appreciate all the help!

I went through this same situation a few months ago. I was decluttering my place and sold about $600 worth of furniture, old electronics, and clothes over a couple months on Facebook Marketplace. I kept detailed records with photos and sale prices, but never reported it on my weekly claims since it was all personal property I'd owned for years. Never had any issues with ESD. The key is making sure you're truly selling your own belongings and not buying things to resell - that would cross into business territory. Keep good documentation and you should be fine!

Thanks everyone for explaining this! I was totally lost when I first got my determination letter but this thread cleared up a lot of my confusion. The quarter-based calculation makes more sense now.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm a newcomer here and just filed my first unemployment claim last week. I was completely confused by all the base period terminology and quarterly calculations, but reading through everyone's explanations really cleared things up. It's reassuring to know that the formula is actually pretty straightforward - highest quarter divided by 26 weeks. I was overthinking it and trying to factor in all kinds of complicated percentages I found on various websites. Now I just need to wait for my monetary determination to see what my actual benefit amount will be. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain this stuff in plain English!

If you're still having trouble reaching someone at Washington ESD about how your benefits might affect your school enrollment, you might want to check out claimyr.com. I used their service to actually get through to a real person at Washington ESD when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get the answers I needed about my specific situation.

I went through this exact situation two years ago when I was laid off from my job at Boeing and had to navigate both Washington ESD benefits and FAFSA applications. Here's what I learned: Yes, your unemployment benefits absolutely count as income on the FAFSA, but don't let that discourage you from applying for aid. The key things to remember are: 1) Get your 1099-G form from Washington ESD as soon as it's available (usually in January), 2) File your taxes early so you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA, and 3) Be completely honest about all income sources. I ended up qualifying for both federal and state aid even with my UI benefits reported. Also, once you start school, make sure to update Washington ESD about your class schedule - they have specific rules about students collecting benefits. The financial aid office at your school will be your best resource for navigating any complications. Don't give up on your education goals because of this temporary income situation!