Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you owe child support - worried about garnishment

50%?? That would leave me with like $200 a week. How am I supposed to survive on that?

It's actually better than having no income at all though. At least you'd have something coming in while you look for work.

Should I contact DCS before filing or just let it happen automatically?

You can contact them to discuss a payment plan, but the garnishment will happen regardless. Might be worth calling to see if they can work with you on the amount.

I was having the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. I used it last month and actually got connected within an hour. Here's their site: claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

That actually sounds helpful. I'm desperate at this point. Did they charge you a lot for it?

They focus more on getting you connected quickly rather than cost. Way better than spending entire days trying to call and getting nowhere.

It's federal law for child support enforcement. They can garnish wages, unemployment, tax refunds, pretty much any income.

Yeah it sucks but kids need support too. At least he's getting something instead of nothing.

How long was his waiting period? I heard it's different now after COVID.

I think it was just one week. But he had some adjudication issues that took like 3 weeks to resolve, so it was a month before he saw any money.

Have you tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier? I'm thinking about using it myself since I can't get through either.

No I haven't heard of it. What is it exactly?

It's a service that helps you get connected to Washington ESD agents. The person who mentioned it said they got through in an hour instead of spending days calling.

What are the job search requirements? I haven't worked in unemployment in Washington before.

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. They can audit it anytime so make sure you document everything properly.

Actually I think it's 2 job search contacts per week now, not 3. But yeah definitely keep good records.

It typically starts with your first payment. The systems are connected so once Washington ESD processes your claim, DCS is notified automatically.

That's what I was afraid of. Guess I better prepare for a smaller first payment then.

You can't really appeal the garnishment through Washington ESD, but you might be able to work with DCS on a hardship modification. You'd need to show your living expenses and income.

Good luck with that. DCS doesn't care if you're homeless as long as they get their money.

Well that's encouraging... not.

Thanks for the tip. Is there anything else I should have ready before I start the application?

Bank account info for direct deposit, and make sure you have exact dates and wages from your recent jobs. The more accurate you are upfront, the less likely you'll have adjudication issues.

Trust me, I want to pay. I lost my job because the company downsized. It's not like I'm trying to avoid my responsibilities.

I get it, sorry if that came across wrong. Losing a job sucks and having garnishments on top of it makes everything harder.

The whole system is designed to keep people down. How are you supposed to get back on your feet when they take half your unemployment?

There aren't any extra pandemic payments anymore. Those ended in 2021. You'll just get regular state unemployment benefits now.

Oh right, I forgot those were over. Shows how long it's been since I needed unemployment.

How long do I have to file? I was laid off 2 weeks ago but haven't filed yet.

You should file immediately. There's no specific deadline but you want to start the process ASAP. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits.

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

They have a system that helps you get through the busy phone lines more efficiently. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - it explains the whole process.

Good point. I should probably apply for food stamps too since my income is going to be so low.

Definitely. And check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources. They can point you to food banks, rent assistance programs, all kinds of help.

Ugh, I didn't even think about taxes. So they take money for child support AND I still owe taxes on it?

Unfortunately yes. You can elect to have taxes withheld from your unemployment payments, which might be easier than owing a lump sum later.