Just wanted to add - if your part-time job ever increases to full-time hours or you start earning more than your weekly benefit amount plus the disregard, that's when you would stop filing weekly claims. But keep documentation in case the job ends and you need to reopen your claim.

Congratulations on the new job! You're asking all the right questions. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like you have a solid understanding now - report the work for the weeks you actually work (not when hired or paid), use gross wages, keep filing your weekly claims, and maintain your job search activities since it's part-time. With 25 hours/week you should definitely still qualify for partial benefits. The Washington ESD system seems pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Best of luck with the new position!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - don't panic! I was in almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago. Got disqualified for "misconduct" after what I felt was a completely unfair termination. The disqualification notice is intentionally scary and confusing, but it's not the end of the world. Here's what helped me: First, I appealed within the 30-day window (this is critical - don't miss that deadline). Second, I gathered every piece of documentation I could find - text messages, emails, witness contact info, company policies, everything. Third, I kept filing my weekly claims religiously even though I wasn't getting paid - this saved me when I eventually won my appeal and got 12 weeks of back pay. The hearing itself was actually pretty fair - the judge let me tell my whole story and really listened. Your case about defending yourself from an abusive customer sounds like it has real merit. Customer service workers have rights too, and employers can't just label any response to harassment as "misconduct." Fight this - you've got more support and options than you realize right now.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - getting a disqualification notice is absolutely terrifying and the language they use makes it sound so final. I went through something similar last year when I got fired from my customer service job for what my manager called "insubordination" - really I was just trying to follow company policy when she wanted me to break it. The disqualification notice made me panic for weeks before I realized I had options. Here's what I wish someone had told me right away: this is likely a temporary penalty, not a permanent ban. Most misconduct disqualifications in Washington are 7-10 weeks of forfeited benefits, then you can collect again if still unemployed. But definitely appeal this - defending yourself from an abusive customer is NOT misconduct under Washington law. Customer service workers have the right to protect themselves from harassment and abuse. Keep filing your weekly claims during the appeal process even though you won't get paid right now - if you win, you'll get all that back pay. I know it feels hopeless but you have real options here. Document everything you remember about the incident while it's still fresh, and don't let your employer's version be the only one the state hears.

As someone who's helped several friends navigate both PFML and workers' comp claims, I want to emphasize what others have said about the workers' comp coordination. Since this was a construction accident, your partner should definitely file a workers' comp claim with L&I if he hasn't already. In Washington, workplace injuries are typically covered by workers' comp first, and it usually provides better benefits than PFML. However, don't stop the PFML process you've already started! Sometimes there are gaps in coverage or timing issues where PFML can bridge benefits while workers' comp is being processed. Both programs have their own weekly certification requirements, so you'll want to stay on top of both if you end up filing with L&I too. One thing to watch out for - if workers' comp approves the claim, they may require you to pay back any PFML benefits received for the same period. But it's better to have some income coming in while everything gets sorted out rather than having no benefits at all. The key is being transparent with both agencies about the other claim. They deal with coordination all the time, so don't try to hide one from the other - that's where people get into trouble.

I went through this exact situation last year after a workplace injury. Definitely file both PFML and workers' comp claims - you're absolutely right to pursue both routes! One thing I learned is that L&I workers' comp claims can take even longer to process than PFML (sometimes 4-6 weeks), so having the PFML claim already in progress is smart. When I filed both, L&I eventually covered most of my benefits, but PFML filled in the gap during those first few weeks while L&I was still reviewing my case. Just make sure when you file the L&I claim, you mention that you've already filed PFML for the same injury. They have a specific form (I think it's called a "coordination of benefits" form) that helps them track overlapping claims. The claims adjusters from both agencies actually communicate with each other to sort out who pays what. Also, workers' comp typically covers more than just wage replacement - it can cover medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation if needed, and sometimes has better long-term disability coverage. So even if PFML gets approved first, the L&I claim is still worth pursuing for the additional benefits. Keep doing those weekly certifications for PFML while you get the L&I paperwork together. You're handling this exactly right!

update: finally got through to someone at esd today!!! they said theres a delay with PFML 1099Gs this year affecting tons of people. they're still sending them out in batches. the rep said we should all have them by feb 25 latest. just fyi for anyone else waiting!!

I'm going through the exact same thing! I received PFML benefits for 4 weeks last summer and still haven't gotten my 1099G form. I tried logging into the paidleave.wa.gov portal like others mentioned but it's showing nothing in my tax documents section. It's so frustrating because I want to file my taxes but don't want to mess anything up with the IRS. Has anyone had luck calling the PFML customer service line directly instead of regular ESD? I'm wondering if they have a separate number that might have shorter wait times.

This whole thread has been really informative. I'm in a similar situation with freelance work plus some W-2 income, so I'm going to look into filing too. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and knowledge!

I've been following this discussion and wanted to add that Washington State also has some vocational rehabilitation services that might be worth looking into while you're navigating the unemployment system. If your consulting business has been struggling due to economic changes in your industry, WorkSource offices sometimes have retraining programs or career transition assistance that could help you pivot or enhance your skills. These services are separate from UI benefits but could complement whatever assistance you're able to get. It might be worth scheduling an appointment with a WorkSource counselor to discuss your options - they can often provide a more comprehensive view of available resources beyond just unemployment insurance.