Anyone know if there's a minimum tax amount? Like if you only have one part-time employee making $5k a year?

This thread has been super informative! As someone who's been running payroll for a few years, I just wanted to add that it's worth noting the wage base ($68,500 for 2025) gets adjusted annually too. So even if your rate stays the same, your total tax liability can change if the wage base increases and you have higher-paid employees. Also, make sure you understand the difference between "taxable wages" and total compensation - things like some benefits and reimbursements might not count toward the wage base.

Good luck with calling tomorrow morning Javier! I had a similar adjudication issue last year and it took me about 3 weeks of trying before I finally got through. The 8am timing tip is solid - that's when I eventually had success too. Just be prepared to potentially try multiple days since even calling right at opening doesn't guarantee you'll get through on the first try. But once you do connect with someone, they're usually pretty helpful with resolving the actual issue.

Just wanted to add that I successfully used Claimyr about a month ago when I was dealing with a similar adjudication delay. I was skeptical at first because I'd never heard of it, but after reading some positive reviews I decided to give it a try. Cost me around $20 but honestly it was worth every penny - got connected to a Washington ESD agent within 30 minutes and had my issue resolved that same day. For anyone who's been trying to call for weeks without success, it might be worth checking out. They have different service levels too so you can choose what fits your budget.

what about ur coworkers? are they filing for unemployment 2? might help if all of u are showing the same pattern from this company

This is a classic case of retaliation and you have a strong case for unemployment benefits. I went through something similar when my employer fired me after I filed a workers' comp claim. The key is that Washington state is very employee-friendly when it comes to wrongful termination. Document everything - save that sick leave request email, any responses from HR, and especially the timeline showing termination within 24 hours. When ESD does their fact-finding interview (and they probably will given the employer will likely contest), be clear about the sequence of events. The fact that multiple employees were terminated around the same time with questionable reasons will actually help your case if it comes to light during the investigation. Don't let them intimidate you - using your legally protected sick leave is absolutely NOT misconduct that would disqualify you from benefits.

For what it's worth, I've never had an employer react negatively to the unemployment notice. Most understand that people lose jobs and need to file for benefits. It's really not a big deal in most workplaces.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since this thread helped me so much. I filed for unemployment about 3 weeks ago after being laid off from my main job while keeping my weekend retail position. My weekend boss did get the notification and actually brought it up to me, but it was totally fine - she just wanted to make sure I was doing okay and that she wasn't going to lose me as an employee too! She said they get these notices pretty regularly and it's never been an issue. I've been reporting my weekend earnings on my weekly claims and everything has been smooth. Really wish I hadn't spent so much time worrying about it. The financial relief has been huge and I can focus on job searching instead of stressing about bills.

UPDATE: You all were right! I finally got through to ESD this morning after trying for days. The agent explained that my claim is being reviewed by two different specialists - one handling an employment verification issue and another reviewing my availability for work. The different dates were showing depending on which part of my case was being updated. She said I should expect a decision within 7-10 business days! Such a relief to finally understand what's happening. Thanks everyone for your help and sharing your experiences!

So glad you got through and got real answers! This is exactly why calling ESD directly (even though it's a pain) is so important. Your experience perfectly illustrates what many of us have been saying - those date changes usually DO mean progress is happening, even when it doesn't feel like it. Having two specialists working on different parts of your claim actually sounds like they're being thorough. Hoping you get good news in those 7-10 days! Keep us posted on how it goes.