Just to close the loop on this discussion - I went ahead and set up 10% federal tax withholding on my remaining unemployment payments. Also found the tax information section on the Washington ESD website that someone mentioned. Really comprehensive info there. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

This is such an important topic that many people don't think about until it's too late! I made a similar mistake when I first collected unemployment - didn't realize the benefits were taxable and ended up with a surprise tax bill. One thing I'd add is that you might also want to consider making quarterly estimated tax payments if you think you'll owe a significant amount. The IRS has penalties for underpayment if you don't pay enough throughout the year. You can use Form 1040ES to calculate and make these payments. Also, keep detailed records of all your unemployment payments and any taxes withheld - it makes filing much easier when tax season comes around.

Just an update for anyone finding this thread later - I just checked my portal and my PFL claim was approved! Took exactly 24 days from submission to approval. The status changed from 'pending decision' to 'approved' with no email notification, so definitely check your portal regularly!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Applied for PFL about 2.5 weeks ago and still stuck on "decision pending." It's so nerve-wracking when you're counting on that income. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful - sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty normal even though it feels like forever. I didn't get my ReliaCard yet so maybe that's still coming. Thanks for posting this question, I was starting to think something was wrong with my application!

Update: My claim was approved today! The date change really did mean someone was working on it. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. For anyone else stuck in adjudication - hang in there and definitely pay attention to date changes in your account!

Congrats on getting approved! Your experience really helps confirm what others have been saying about date changes being a positive indicator. I'm currently going through adjudication myself (been waiting about 6 weeks now) and seeing success stories like yours gives me hope. Did you notice any other changes in your account besides the date update, or was that the main sign that things were moving? Thanks for coming back to update everyone - it's really helpful for those of us still waiting!

Hope this helps everyone! The uncertainty around week 26 is stressful but there are usually options available. Just keep following the rules and staying informed about what programs are active in Washington.

I went through this exact situation last year and wanted to share what worked for me. When I hit week 24, I started preparing by making sure all my job search documentation was up to date and organized. Washington ESD did automatically enroll me in Extended Benefits, but there was about a 10-day gap where I wasn't sure what was happening. The key is to keep filing your weekly claims no matter what - even if you don't get paid for a week or two, it maintains your eligibility. I also recommend calling WorkSource to discuss backup plans like retraining programs, just in case EB isn't available when you need it. The whole process was less scary than I expected once I understood how it worked.

One last thing - if you do end up needing to file a new UI claim because you worked some during your current claim, the process is different now than it was a few years ago. Make sure you understand the current requirements.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful. One thing I wanted to add - check if your local libraries have job search resources and computer access if you need it. Many also have career counseling services or workshops that are free. The Seattle Public Library system, for example, has dedicated job search help. It's a small thing but every resource helps when you're trying to figure out next steps.