Can child support take the $600 unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

50%?? That would leave me with only $300 a week. How am I supposed to pay rent and everything else?

I know it's tough, but child support is a priority debt. You might want to contact the child support office to discuss a payment plan if you're having trouble making ends meet.

Did they give you any notice before they started taking it? Or did it just happen?

i got a letter in the mail about 2 weeks before they started garnishing. you should check your mail and also log into your eServices account to see if theres any notices

Thanks, I'll check that out. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days but keep getting disconnected.

Never heard of that service before but anything that helps get through to Washington ESD is worth a shot. Their phone system is terrible.

I don't have any other kids, just the one with my ex. So I guess I'm looking at the full 50% garnishment?

Potentially yes, but there might be hardship exceptions. You really need to speak with someone at DCS to explore your options.

Child support is considered a priority obligation, similar to taxes. The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act allows up to 50% garnishment for child support from most income sources, including unemployment.

That's crazy. The whole point of unemployment is to help people survive while they look for work.

So did they end up garnishing your benefits? How did you handle it?

yep they took about 45% of my weekly amount. i had to move in with my sister because i couldnt afford my place anymore

How do I set up a payment arrangement? Do I contact child support enforcement or Washington ESD?

Contact the Division of Child Support first. They're the ones who initiate the garnishment process with Washington ESD.

What qualifies as undue hardship? I'm barely making it with my full unemployment amount.

Things like inability to pay for basic necessities, medical expenses, or other essential costs. You'd need to provide documentation of your expenses and income.

All unemployment benefits are subject to garnishment, including any federal supplements. However, there haven't been federal supplements since 2021.

Oh right, I forgot those ended. Thanks for clarifying.

I understand the frustration, but child support is about supporting your child. The kid needs financial support regardless of the parent's employment situation.

I get that, but there should be some consideration for the parent's ability to survive too.

Did it cost a lot to use? I'm already worried about money.

I can't remember the exact cost, but it was worth it to actually talk to someone. Check out their website at claimyr.com for current info.

That's discouraging. Did he at least get to keep working while on UI without additional garnishment?

Yeah, if you get a job while on UI, they only garnish the unemployment portion. Any work income would be subject to separate wage garnishment rules.

How do I set up voluntary payments? Through the child support office?

Yes, contact DCS directly. They can set up automatic payments from your bank account instead of garnishing your UI benefits.

Unemployment benefits are reported income. The child support office can access information about your UI benefits to enforce garnishment orders.

damn that sucks. guess theres no hiding from it

That's good to know. I was thinking about doing some DoorDash or something to make up for the lost money.

Just make sure you report any work income to Washington ESD when you file your weekly claims. They're pretty strict about unreported income.

That sounds really helpful. I'll definitely check out that video demo you mentioned earlier.

Yeah, anything that gets you past those busy signals is worth it. Washington ESD's phone system is a nightmare.

Good point. I'll make sure to keep filing even if they're taking half of it.

Exactly. And keep looking for work - the job search requirements still apply even with garnishment.

It's possible but difficult. You'd need to demonstrate significant financial hardship and provide detailed documentation of your expenses and income.

Thanks, I'll look into what documentation I need to gather.

I understand the frustration, but child support is a legal obligation. The child's needs don't stop just because the parent lost their job.

I get that, but there should be some kind of minimum amount they have to leave for basic survival.

I'll try calling again tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll have better luck early in the day.

Good luck! And remember, even if the garnishment is unavoidable, at least you'll still have some income while you look for work.