One last thing - if you go back to full-time work, you don't need to file a final claim or anything special. Just stop filing your weekly claims and you're done with the system until you need it again.

Just wanted to add that if you're using direct deposit for your UI benefits, make sure to keep that account active even after you start working part-time. I made the mistake of closing my account thinking I wouldn't need benefits anymore, then had to jump through hoops to set up a new one when I realized I was still eligible for partial payments. Also, keep all your pay stubs - Washington ESD may ask for documentation later to verify what you reported.

Hope this helps everyone figure out their wage situations. The unemployment system is complicated enough without having to guess about the basics.

This has been such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation where I'm trying to understand what wages will count toward my potential unemployment benefits. I have a base salary plus quarterly bonuses, and some months I get overtime pay too. From reading all the responses here, it sounds like all of these would count as long as they show up on my W-2 and had unemployment tax deducted. I'm also relieved to learn that the 1099 consulting work I did last year won't count - I was worried that might complicate things. Going to gather up all my pay stubs and W-2s now so I'm prepared when I file my claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about filling out my work search activities now. This thread has been super useful.

I've been dealing with this same confusion! One thing that really helped me was setting up a dedicated folder on my phone to screenshot every online application confirmation page right after I submit. I also keep a simple notes app entry for each activity with the basic details - makes it so much easier to transfer everything to WorkSourceWA later. The key is being consistent and not overthinking it. As long as you're genuinely looking for work and documenting your efforts, you should be fine. The 3 activities per week is really manageable once you get into a routine.

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for the advice and support. I called my state rep's office yesterday morning, and they were surprisingly helpful! Their constituent services person took all my info and said she'd reach out to her contact at ESD. This morning I got a call from an ESD supervisor who reviewed my file and found that even though they said my issues were "fixed," there was still an identity verification flag that wasn't properly cleared. She removed it while I was on the phone and said my payment should process within 48 hours! I'm not counting on anything until I see the money in my account, but it's the first real progress in weeks. Also called 211 and got connected to a food bank and emergency utility assistance program. Still struggling but feeling less hopeless today. Will update again when/if the payment comes through. Thanks again to everyone who offered advice and just made me feel less alone in this mess.

This is such an encouraging update! I'm so glad the state rep route worked for you - it really shows how important it is to try all available channels when the regular system fails us. The fact that there was still an identity verification flag even after they said it was "fixed" is exactly the kind of thing that gets overlooked in their system. Your story gives me hope for others who are stuck in similar situations. Sometimes it really does take that extra push from someone with connections to get things moving. And I'm proud of you for reaching out to 211 too - using those resources shows you're being smart and doing everything you can to take care of your family during this tough time. Keeping my fingers crossed that your payment comes through as promised! Please do update us when it does - success stories like this help other people know what strategies actually work.

Summary for anyone else finding this thread: 401k withdrawals don't affect Washington ESD benefits, just report them accurately on your weekly claim and keep documentation.

This is such valuable information! I'm in a similar situation and was really stressed about whether a 401k withdrawal would mess up my unemployment benefits. Reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring. It sounds like the key is just being transparent when reporting it on the weekly claim form. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community really does help navigate these confusing situations!