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Been waiting 3 weeks for my monetary determination and getting anxious about how much I'll receive. Anyone know how long it typically takes Washington ESD to calculate your benefit amount after you file?
Ugh 3 weeks feels like forever when you have bills to pay. Might try calling them to see what's taking so long.
Definitely try Claimyr if you want to actually get through to someone at Washington ESD. Regular calling is basically impossible with their phone system.
For what it's worth, even though unemployment doesn't pay as much as working, at least it's something while you're job hunting. Better than nothing I guess.
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.
I called Washington ESD through that Claimyr service to ask about getting my tax withholding changed and they were super helpful. The agent explained that the 10% withholding is just an estimate and I might still owe more or get a refund depending on my total tax situation.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I had no idea unemployment was taxable and I've been collecting for months. Going to set up the tax withholding right now and start saving money for what I might already owe.
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.
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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