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Just want to add that while the unemployment rate doesn't affect your claim directly, economic conditions can influence state funding for programs like job training through WorkSource. But your UI benefits are separate from that.
Education sector has interesting patterns. K-12 is relatively stable but higher ed has been cutting positions. Community colleges are somewhere in between.
Bottom line - retail and food service will always have openings because of turnover, but the pay and benefits usually suck. If you can get skills in healthcare, tech, or skilled trades, you'll have better long-term prospects.
Thanks everyone for all the insights. This has been way more helpful than trying to decipher the official Washington ESD reports on my own.
Quick question - do you have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify? I have a work permit but I'm not a citizen yet.
For everyone asking about contacting Washington ESD - I finally got through using traditional calling after literally 47 attempts over two weeks. But honestly, that Claimyr thing would have saved me days of frustration. Sometimes the extra convenience is worth it when you're dealing with unemployment stress.
Bottom line - if you're working reduced hours and struggling financially, definitely apply for partial unemployment. The worst case scenario is they say no, but you might be surprised at how much it helps.
One last thing - make sure you understand how holidays and vacation pay affect your partial benefits. That can get confusing if you're not prepared for it.
Luca Marino
also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. you can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later, but don't forget about it or you'll owe money at tax time
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Amina Diop
•How much do they withhold for taxes if you choose that option?
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Luca Marino
•I think it's 10% federal tax withholding. Washington doesn't have state income tax so you don't need to worry about that.
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Nia Davis
Bottom line - if your hours got cut through no fault of your own and you worked enough in the past year, you should apply. Worst case they say no, but you'll probably qualify for at least partial benefits. The application process online is pretty straightforward, it's just getting help when you have questions that's the problem.
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Amina Diop
•Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. Going to file my claim tonight and see what happens.
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Mateo Perez
•Good luck! Remember to keep track of all your job search activities from day one. Better to have too much documentation than not enough.
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