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This is really helpful info everyone! I'm new to the unemployment system and had no idea about reporting work hours vs payment timing. Quick question - when you estimate the hourly rate for reporting purposes, do you include things like potential tips or just the base wage? I have another interview coming up at a restaurant where they mentioned tips are part of the compensation but obviously I won't know that amount beforehand.
For restaurant work, you should only report the base hourly wage when estimating earnings - don't try to guess tip amounts since those are completely unpredictable and vary by shift. Tips get reported separately when you actually receive them (usually when you file your claim for the week you worked). So if they say the base wage is $15/hour plus tips, just use the $15 for your estimate. You can always update ESD later once you know the actual total compensation including tips.
Just wanted to add my experience here - I was in a very similar situation about 6 months ago with a working interview at a tech startup. I reported the hours worked (8 hours over 2 days) and estimated the earnings based on what they told me the hourly rate would be during the interview process. When I actually got hired and received my first paycheck, the rate was slightly different than what I had estimated, so I called ESD to let them know. They were able to adjust my claim retroactively without any issues. The key thing is being proactive about reporting - ESD really does appreciate when you're transparent about work performed, even if the payment details aren't 100% certain yet. Good luck with the job!
Pro tip: if you get denied for any reason, appeal immediately. Don't wait. The appeal deadlines are strict and you can't get benefits while waiting for an appeal hearing if you miss the deadline.
The reality is that unemployment benefits aren't designed to fully replace your income. They're meant to provide temporary assistance while you look for work. Most people need to make significant budget adjustments to make it work.
Start planning those cuts now, even before you file. It's easier to adjust gradually than all at once when you're stressed about money.
I just got off the phone with ESD (finally!) and the agent told me they're aware of widespread issues with both the phone system and website errors. She confirmed they can help file missed weekly claims over the phone and that they're prioritizing cases where people have been unable to file due to technical issues. She also mentioned that if you get the WS-839 error specifically, you should try the eServices mobile app instead of the website - apparently it's using a different server that isn't as overloaded. For the original poster: Based on what the agent told me, I'd recommend documenting every time you've tried to call (dates and times) and keeping screenshots of any website errors. This will help them verify you've been making good faith efforts to file.
Just wanted to share my experience from this week - I finally got through using a combination of the advice here! I called the technical support number (888-316-5066) that @Melina Haruko mentioned at exactly 8:00am, used the menu sequence 4-1-2-1 that @Pedro Sawyer shared, and only waited about 35 minutes. The agent was super helpful and filed my three missed weeks on the spot. Also tried the mobile app suggestion - it worked way better than the website! No more WS-839 errors. For anyone still struggling, definitely try downloading "WA ESD eServices" from the app store first before dealing with the phone system. Thanks everyone for all the tips - this community is a lifesaver when the official systems are failing us!
This whole thread has been super helpful. I'm in a similar situation and didn't realize there were so many factors to consider. Going to start documenting things better and maybe try that Claimyr service to get some official guidance from ESD.
Glad it's helpful for you too! It's good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this kind of situation.
Yeah definitely try Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone at ESD. Makes the whole process so much easier.
I went through this exact situation about 18 months ago. The key thing that helped me get approved was keeping a detailed log - I wrote down every incident with dates, times, what was said/done, and who witnessed it. I also saved any emails or texts that showed the pattern of behavior. When I finally quit and applied for benefits, I had a 3-page timeline that clearly showed the escalating harassment. It took about 4 weeks for approval but having that documentation made all the difference. Start building your paper trail now, even if you're not sure you'll quit - you can always decide not to use it later.
This is really helpful advice! A 3-page timeline sounds like exactly what I need to be putting together. I've been hesitant to start documenting because it feels like I'm planning to quit, but you're right that I can always choose not to use it. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Did you include anything else besides the incident log, or was that timeline the main piece of evidence that convinced them?
Layla Sanders
prob just need to wait longer. i know its stressful but the system is slow. keep filing weekly claims tho
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Mohammed Khan
•I'll keep filing and try to be patient. This thread has been really helpful - thanks everyone!
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Ali Anderson
I'm a newcomer here and going through the exact same thing! Filed my claim about a week ago and the uncertainty is driving me crazy. Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring - sounds like this is totally normal and I just need to be more patient. I'm definitely going to check my spam folder and the correspondence section in my account like people suggested. Thanks for asking this question Mohammed, I was too nervous to post but needed these answers too!
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