


Ask the community...
Bottom line - yes you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. Set up withholding if possible, save money if not, and don't panic. Lots of people deal with this every year.
Glad we could help clarify things. Tax season can be stressful enough without surprises. Make sure to keep all your Washington ESD documents organized for when you file your return.
Pro tip: After you file your initial claim, set up a calendar reminder for your weekly claims. Washington ESD requires them every week and if you miss filing for a week, you can't go back and claim that week later.
Just want to add - don't let the complexity scare you off. Yes, there are rules and requirements, but thousands of people successfully navigate the Washington ESD system every week. File your claim, follow the instructions, and you'll be fine.
Final thought - if you do end up needing to call Washington ESD and can't get through, definitely consider that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. The phone system at ESD is just brutal and anything that helps you get through faster is worth it in my opinion.
The whole process stressed me out at first but it really wasn't as bad as I expected. Having all the employer info ready beforehand made it much smoother.
Just to summarize what everyone said - you need SSN, ID, employment history (names, addresses, dates, wages), reason for unemployment, and bank info for direct deposit. Register with WorkSource, file weekly claims once approved, and keep copies of everything.
And remember, if you run into any issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service is there as a backup option. Much easier than trying to get through their phone lines.
Zadie Patel
Don't forget to register with WorkSourceWA too, it's required for most people to keep getting benefits.
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Zadie Patel
•Yeah it's a separate registration but Washington ESD will tell you when you need to do it.
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Tami Morgan
•Usually within your first few weeks of claiming benefits, they'll send you instructions.
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A Man D Mortal
Just remember that every situation is different and the calculation can vary based on when you worked and how much you earned in each quarter.
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Tony Brooks
•Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly for you.
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A Man D Mortal
•You're welcome! The uncertainty is the worst part, but once you get your first payment it gets easier.
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