Can you work while getting unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! So if my weekly benefit is $400, I can earn up to $395 without any reduction?

Not exactly. You can earn up to $395 and still receive some benefits, but there's a formula. For every dollar you earn over $5, they reduce your benefits by a certain percentage. It's not a complete cutoff until you earn more than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount.

This is so important! I know someone who didn't report their cash job and got hit with a huge overpayment notice years later.

Got it, I'll definitely report everything. Better safe than sorry with Washington ESD.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Did it actually work to get you through to someone?

Yeah, it worked great. I was able to talk to a Washington ESD agent within like 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. They clarified all the rules about working while on unemployment.

How much does something like that cost? Seems too good to be true.

It's worth it when you need answers quickly. Much better than wasting entire days trying to get through on your own.

Good point. I'm still applying to full-time jobs, the freelance work is just temporary income while I job search.

What are the current job search requirements? I keep seeing different numbers online.

You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and keep records in WorkSourceWA. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

It's definitely just temporary contract work, not starting a business. Should I mention that when I report the earnings?

Yes, be specific about the nature of the work when you report it. Temporary contract work is treated differently than ongoing self-employment.

Thanks for the tip about gross vs net earnings. I wouldn't have thought about that.

This is why I hate dealing with Washington ESD. Everything is so complicated and they don't explain it clearly.

It is confusing but once you understand the system it's actually pretty fair. They want to encourage people to work while still providing support.

Right, this is definitely just temporary though. Probably only 2-3 weeks of work.

Even if it's temporary, keep detailed records of all your earnings and hours worked. Washington ESD audits these things.

That's rough. Have you tried calling first thing in the morning when they open? Sometimes that works better.

I've tried everything. Called at 8am sharp, different days of the week, nothing works. The phone system just hangs up on you.

Maybe try that Claimyr service the other person mentioned? If you really need to talk to someone about your adjudication status.

I might have to. This is ridiculous that you can't get basic information about your own claim.

That's good to know it's automated. I was worried I'd have to do math every week.

The system does the math but you should still double-check it. I've seen cases where the calculation was wrong and people had to get it corrected later.

Message received loud and clear. I'll report every penny.

Smart choice. The overpayment notices are no joke. They'll garnish your wages or take it from future tax refunds if you don't pay back what you owe.

Yep, and interest accrues on overpayments too. It can really add up over time.

Good point. This is just short-term contract work though, not leading to a permanent position.

What defines 'suitable work' anyway? I've always wondered about that.

Generally work that's similar to your previous job in terms of skills and pay level, though the pay requirements get more flexible the longer you're unemployed.

The freelance work is flexible hours so that shouldn't be a problem. I can still interview and accept full-time work.

That's perfect then. Flexible part-time work is ideal while you're job searching.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I feel much more confident about taking this freelance work now.

Good luck with the work! It's nice to have some income coming in while job searching.