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Washington Unemployment

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Ask the community...

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Reginald Blackwell

Can you apply for unemployment over the phone Washington ESD - website keeps crashing

I've been trying to file my initial unemployment claim online through the Washington ESD website for three days now and it keeps timing out or crashing when I get to the work history section. I have a complicated employment situation with multiple part-time jobs over the past 18 months and the online form doesn't seem to handle it well. Can you actually call Washington ESD and apply for unemployment over the phone instead? I tried calling the main number but just get a busy signal or it hangs up on me after 20 minutes on hold. Does anyone know if phone applications are still an option or am I stuck with the broken website?

The Washington ESD phone system is set up to handle initial applications, weekly claims, and pretty much everything you can do online. Don't let anyone tell you that you HAVE to use the website. Some situations are actually better handled over the phone, especially when you have questions about how to answer certain sections.

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That's reassuring. I do have several questions about how to report my work history correctly, so talking to someone might be the better option anyway.

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Exactly! I had questions about reporting tips and commission and the online form didn't give enough guidance. Phone agent walked me through it perfectly.

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Whatever method you choose, make sure you keep records of everything. If you file by phone, ask for a confirmation number or reference number for your application. Write down the date, time, and name of the agent you spoke with. This stuff can be important later if there are any issues with your claim.

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Great advice! I'll definitely keep detailed notes of everything. Thanks for all the help everyone - I feel much better about my options now.

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Yes, documentation is key with unemployment claims. I learned that the hard way when I had to appeal a decision later.

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Amara Nwosu

How do I end unemployment benefits with Washington ESD when I start working?

I just got hired for a full-time position starting Monday and I'm not sure how to properly end my unemployment benefits with Washington ESD. Do I need to call them or is there something online I can do? I don't want to accidentally keep getting payments and then have to deal with an overpayment situation later. My last weekly claim was filed yesterday before I knew I got the job. What's the correct process here?

One last thing - make sure you save copies of your final weekly claim confirmation and any other important documents from your claim. You might need them for tax purposes or if any questions come up later.

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Great advice, I'll make sure to print out everything before I stop filing. Better safe than sorry.

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Yes definitely keep records! I needed my benefit statements for a mortgage application two years later.

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For anyone else reading this thread - if you need to reach Washington ESD about ending benefits or have other questions, that Claimyr service people mentioned actually works really well. I was skeptical at first but it saved me hours of trying to call myself.

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How exactly does it work? Do they just call for you?

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Yeah, you give them your info and they handle all the calling and waiting in the phone queue. Then they connect you directly to a Washington ESD agent when one becomes available. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works.

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LongPeri

How long does it take to get your first unemployment check from Washington ESD?

Just filed my initial claim with Washington ESD last Thursday and wondering when I should expect to see my first payment. I know I have to do the waiting week but after that how long before the money actually hits my account? I'm getting nervous about rent coming up and want to know what timeline I'm looking at. Has anyone gotten their first check recently and can tell me the actual timeframe?

I'd recommend calling Washington ESD if you don't hear anything after 10 business days from filing. Sometimes claims get stuck and need a nudge. That's when services like Claimyr come in handy since the phone lines are always busy.

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Good timeline to keep in mind. I'll give it another week and then start making calls if needed.

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Update us when you get your first payment! Always nice to hear success stories and it helps other people know what timeline to expect.

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Will do! Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Feeling much more prepared now.

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Jamal Carter

How long does it take to receive unemployment payment from Washington ESD?

I just got approved for unemployment benefits after waiting 3 weeks for adjudication to finish. My claim status changed to 'paid' yesterday but I still haven't received any money. How long does it usually take from when Washington ESD says 'paid' to actually getting the funds? I'm using direct deposit and really need to know when I can expect the payment to hit my account.

Thanks for posting this question OP. I'm in the same boat - just got approved yesterday and was wondering the same thing. Your timeline gives me a good idea of what to expect.

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Happy to help! It's such a relief once that first payment comes through. You'll be fine.

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The waiting is definitely the hardest part. But the system does work once you get through the initial approval process.

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One last tip - make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even while you're waiting for that first payment. Don't let any weeks lapse or you'll have to request them later which is a hassle.

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Yes! I made sure to file this week's claim on Sunday even though I hadn't received the first payment yet.

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That's exactly right. Keep that weekly filing schedule no matter what else is going on with your claim.

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Melody Miles

Do you need to pay taxes on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

I've been getting unemployment benefits from Washington ESD for about 2 months now and just realized I haven't been thinking about taxes at all. My friend mentioned that unemployment is taxable income but I'm not sure if that's true in Washington state. Do I need to worry about owing taxes on my UI benefits when I file next year? Should I be having taxes withheld from my weekly payments or setting money aside? I don't want to get hit with a huge tax bill later.

Don't forget you'll get a 1099-G form in January showing how much unemployment you received during the tax year. Keep that for your records and make sure the amount matches what you actually received.

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Good reminder! I'll make sure to watch for that in the mail.

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You can usually access the 1099-G online through your ESD account too, don't have to wait for the mail

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This thread has been super helpful! I had no idea unemployment was taxable and I've been getting benefits for 4 months. Definitely going to set up withholding ASAP and maybe save some extra money too.

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Same here, really glad someone asked this question!

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Yeah I'm relieved I found out now rather than at tax time next year. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

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