Do you lose Washington ESD unemployment benefits if you get a job?

What counts as full-time? Is it 40 hours or something else?

For Washington ESD, it's generally if you earn more than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. So if your weekly benefit is $400, earning over $405 would stop your benefits for that week.

This is so important! I got an overpayment notice last year because I forgot to report some temporary work.

How do they find out about unreported work? Do they check with employers?

They cross-reference with wage records from employers. It might take months but they'll catch it.

That's reassuring! I was worried I'd lose everything and have to reapply from scratch.

Yeah but there's usually a waiting period if you voluntarily quit without good cause. Make sure you understand the separation rules before taking any job you're not sure about.

Exactly. Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties or pay.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit? I hate calling Washington ESD because I can never get through.

Yeah it's legitimate. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration.

I'm always skeptical of third-party services but honestly the Washington ESD phone system is such a nightmare that I'd consider it.

You report your total earnings for the week, not individual gigs. But yes, all gig work income needs to be reported.

That makes sense. I was worried I'd have to list every single ride or delivery.

Good point. I've been keeping track of my job searches but wasn't sure if I needed to keep doing them if I had a job lined up.

Yeah you need to maintain the job search activities until you're actually employed. Washington ESD can audit your job search log anytime.

What kind of issues are you having? Temp work should be reported just like any other employment.

they said i have some kind of eligibility issue now and my payments stopped. been trying to call for weeks

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I had issues. The regular phone lines are impossible.

They do have information on the Washington ESD website, but it's buried in different sections. The handbook explains most of these scenarios.

I looked at the handbook but it's like reading legal documents. Just want straight answers.

Good advice. I'll start a spreadsheet to track everything.

I use a simple notebook. Write down every day I work and how much I earned. Saved me when they questioned my reported earnings.

You're thinking of different programs. Regular unemployment benefits are just the weekly cash payments. If you had health coverage through Washington Apple Health or other programs, those have different rules.

Oh okay, I was getting confused between different benefit programs.

Just be honest and report exactly what you earn when you earn it. The system is designed to handle people transitioning back to work.

Thanks, that's reassuring. I guess I'm overthinking it.

Your cousin is wrong and that's fraud. You have to report ALL work regardless of how long it lasts.

Yeah I figured that was bad advice. Better to be safe and report everything.

Exactly. Washington ESD has access to employment records and will eventually catch unreported work. The penalties aren't worth it.

Yes, you can collect partial benefits. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount by what you earn minus $5. So if you earn $100, they subtract $95 from your regular benefit amount.

That's actually not too bad. I was worried any work would completely stop my benefits.

What defines a 'suitable' job offer? Does it have to be in my field?

Generally it means work that matches your skills and pays reasonably compared to your previous job. The longer you're unemployed, the broader the definition gets.

How do you handle the irregular income? Do you report it the week you earn it or when you get paid?

I report it the week I actually perform the work, not when I get paid. That's what Washington ESD told me when I called to ask.

Good luck getting through on the phone. I'd suggest trying Claimyr if you get stuck - much easier than spending all day calling.

Yeah I'm already dreading the phone calls. Might check out that service you mentioned.

That's good to know. Takes some of the pressure off accepting a job that might not be perfect.

Just make sure you have good cause if you quit. Being laid off is obviously fine, but quitting without good reason can disqualify you.

How do you report work immediately? Do you have to call or is there an online option?

You report it on your weekly claim filing. Just don't wait - file as soon as your week ends and include any work you did that week.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Feeling much more confident about accepting this job offer now.

Good luck with the new job! Hope it works out well for you.

Thank you! This thread has been incredibly helpful.