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One more important thing - when you file your new claim, you'll need to have your employment information ready for all jobs in the last 18 months. That includes employer names, addresses, phone numbers, employment dates, and why you're no longer working there. Also be prepared to verify your identity again through ID.me if you haven't used your ESD account recently.
Thank you for the reminder! I do have most of that information saved from my previous application, but I'll make sure to update everything. I did the ID.me verification already for my first claim - will I need to do it again?
If you've already successfully completed ID.me verification for your ESD account, you shouldn't need to do it again. However, keep your ID.me login information handy just in case. The system sometimes requests reverification if it's been several months since your last login.
I went through almost the exact same situation! Filed in fall 2024, got denied for insufficient hours, then had to file a new claim in January 2025 once my summer work counted. The "invalid" status is basically the system's way of saying your claim is dead and can't be revived. Don't waste any more time trying to file weekly claims on it - those weeks are just lost unfortunately. File your new initial claim ASAP since your summer 2024 hours should now be in your base period. The process was pretty straightforward once I started fresh, and I was approved within about 10 days. Good luck!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! It's so frustrating that the system doesn't explain any of this clearly. 10 days for approval sounds reasonable - did you have to do anything special during the waiting period, or just file your weekly claims normally once the new claim was active?
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One thing I learned the hard way is to double-check your bank account information before submitting. I had one digit wrong in my routing number and it delayed my payments by almost two weeks while they sorted it out. Washington ESD doesn't make it easy to update banking info once your claim is submitted, so make sure it's perfect from the start.
This is exactly why I always take screenshots of my bank's routing/account info page before entering anything important online. I learned this lesson with other government forms - one tiny typo and you're stuck waiting weeks for them to fix it. Washington ESD's system seems particularly unforgiving when it comes to corrections. Did you have to call them to get the banking info updated, or were you able to fix it through the online portal somehow?
I had to call them to get it updated, which was a nightmare. Spent three days trying to get through, and when I finally did, they said they had to put a hold on my claim while they verified the correct banking information with my bank. The whole process took almost two weeks total. Definitely verify everything multiple times before hitting submit!
Another tip that saved me: when they ask about your highest level of education, make sure you're consistent with what you put on your work history. I accidentally said I had a bachelor's degree in one section but then listed jobs that required a high school diploma in another section. It flagged my claim for review because they thought I was overqualified for the positions I was claiming. Even though it was just a simple oversight, it added weeks to my processing time while they verified everything.
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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!
This is really helpful advice, especially about getting the written decision ASAP. I'm definitely going to request that collection hold while my Commissioner appeal is pending - I hadn't thought of that option. The whole process feels so overwhelming but knowing others have navigated this successfully gives me hope. Thank you for the encouragement!
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my employer also appealed and I'm waiting for the decision. Reading through your experience and everyone's responses is really helping me prepare for what might happen. A few questions if you don't mind: When you got through to the ESD agent, did they explain why the judge ruled in favor of your employer? And when you file the Commissioner appeal, do you need a lawyer or can you represent yourself? The thought of owing back $5,800 is terrifying, but it sounds like the payment plan option makes it more manageable. Thanks for sharing your update - it really helps to know what to expect!
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Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to report my severance payment when I file my weekly claim. It sounds like I might not receive benefits for a few weeks while they allocate the severance, but I'll keep filing my weekly claims so everything stays active. I'll also try the Claimyr service to get confirmation directly from ESD about how they'll handle this specific situation. Really appreciate all the advice!
Good decision! Just remember to keep all documentation related to your severance - the letter/agreement, paystub showing the payment, etc. If they have questions later, having that documentation readily available will make the process much smoother.
Just went through this exact situation last month! Definitely report the severance - I made the mistake of listening to bad advice initially and it caused major headaches later. When I finally got through to ESD (took forever), they explained that ANY money received after termination counts as reportable income, regardless of how it's paid out. They allocated my $4,200 severance over about 3 weeks based on my previous wages, so I didn't get unemployment during that time but my benefits kicked in automatically afterward. Keep filing those weekly claims even during the allocation period - that's super important! Also, upload a copy of your severance agreement/letter to your eServices account proactively - it'll save you time if they request documentation later.
Carmen Vega
glad you asked this question because i was wondering the same thing! my hours got cut at my job and i wasn't sure if i could still get some unemployment benefits. sounds like i can as long as i report everything correctly
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Malik Jackson
•Yeah definitely look into it! Sounds like we're in similar situations.
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Carmen Vega
•thanks for starting this thread. really helpful info from everyone
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Ravi Malhotra
This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually in a similar situation - just got offered a part-time position while I'm still collecting unemployment benefits in Washington. Reading through everyone's responses has really clarified the process for me. The key points I'm taking away are: 1) Report gross earnings for the week you actually worked (not when you get paid), 2) Keep detailed records of everything, 3) Continue job searching and documenting it, and 4) Be honest about all earnings. It's reassuring to know that the system is actually designed to help people transition back to full-time work rather than penalize them for taking whatever opportunities they can find. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!
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