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Just wanted to add - if your claim gets approved, make sure you understand the overpayment rules. If you earn too much in a week from freelance work and don't report it properly, you could end up owing money back to Washington ESD.
It varies based on your weekly benefit amount, but generally you can earn up to a certain amount before they start reducing your benefits dollar for dollar. The exact calculation is on the Washington ESD website.
Final tip - keep detailed records of everything. Your job search activities, any freelance income, correspondence with Washington ESD, etc. If there are ever any questions about your claim, having good documentation will save you a lot of headaches.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info in this thread. I feel much more confident about handling my unemployment benefits on my taxes now. Going to look for that 1099-G in my SAW account right after I post this.
Final update from OP: Found my 1099-G in the correspondence section! Total benefits were $11,200 for the year. Now I need to figure out how much I'm going to owe in taxes. Thanks to everyone who helped point me in the right direction. This forum is a lifesaver for navigating the Washington ESD system.
Don't forget you can also check your claim status by calling the automated line at 1-800-318-6022. It's not perfect but sometimes gives you a bit more info than the website.
The approval process can feel like forever when you're waiting. I remember checking my account constantly. Now I tell everyone - file your weekly claims religiously and try not to stress too much about the timeline.
Another thing to consider is that you have to actively look for work and report your job search activities. So while you're getting benefits, you're also expected to be trying to find new employment. It's not just free money.
If you're still having trouble reaching Washington ESD directly, I had good luck with Claimyr too. They got me connected to an agent who walked through my entire benefit calculation and explained why my amount was what it was. Really helped me understand the whole process.
Sofia Ramirez
Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - PFML is definitely the right program for maternity leave, not unemployment. I was initially confused too because they're both through Washington ESD. The websites and applications are completely separate though.
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Anastasia Kozlov
•Thanks for confirming this. It sounds like everyone who's been through this process has the same advice about using PFML instead of trying for unemployment.
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Dmitry Volkov
•Yep, unemployment is really strict about the able and available requirements. PFML is designed specifically for situations like pregnancy and family bonding time.
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StarSeeker
One last tip - when you apply for PFML, make sure to keep copies of all your paperwork and track your application status online. The Washington ESD portal lets you see updates on your claim, which is really helpful for peace of mind.
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Ava Martinez
•Agreed, this was a great discussion. Hope everything goes smoothly with your PFML application and congratulations on your upcoming baby!
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Nia Harris
•If you need help navigating the Washington ESD system or have questions about your PFML claim status, remember that Claimyr service can help you reach an actual person instead of dealing with automated systems. Good luck with everything!
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