Does Washington ESD check your bank account during unemployment claims?

Washington ESD doesn't routinely monitor your bank account just because you're receiving UI benefits. They typically only request bank records if there's a specific investigation into potential fraud or if they have reason to believe you're not reporting income correctly. The key is being honest on your weekly claims about any money you receive.

I had a similar concern last year. As long as you're not running a regular business or working for someone else, selling your own possessions isn't something you need to report to Washington ESD. The income they care about is from actual employment or self-employment activities.

The Washington ESD can request financial records during an investigation, but they need a valid reason. They don't have automatic access to your bank account. However, if you're selected for a random audit or if someone reports suspected fraud, they might ask for documentation including bank statements.

I went through this exact worry when I was on unemployment. Spent weeks stressing about whether they could see my bank account. The truth is they have bigger fish to fry than someone selling old furniture. As long as you're not hiding actual work income, you're fine.

I had to deal with Washington ESD questioning some deposits in my account last year. They sent me a letter asking about specific transactions. I explained they were from selling my car and furniture before moving, provided the receipts, and they dropped it. The key is having documentation.

The Washington ESD isn't the IRS - they don't have unlimited access to your financial records. They can only request bank information if there's a legitimate reason related to your unemployment claim. Most people never have any issues.

I know someone who got caught not reporting actual work income and THAT'S when Washington ESD dug into their bank records. They ended up owing back thousands in overpayments. But selling personal stuff? That's not the same thing at all.

tbh I think you're worrying about nothing. I've been getting unemployment for 4 months and never had any issues. Just answer the weekly questions honestly and don't stress about every little deposit

For what it's worth, I've never heard of anyone getting in trouble for selling personal belongings while on unemployment. The Washington ESD cares about unreported employment, not whether you sold your old bike on Craigslist.

I actually called Washington ESD about this same question last month because I was selling a bunch of stuff before moving. The agent told me personal property sales don't count as income for unemployment purposes. Only earnings from employment or self-employment activities need to be reported.

Same question was driving me crazy a few months ago. I ended up finding Claimyr online - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. The agent I talked to confirmed that selling personal items isn't reportable income for UI purposes.

I'm an accountant and deal with this stuff regularly. Personal property sales (your own belongings) are generally not considered income for unemployment reporting purposes. Business inventory or regular selling activity would be different, but occasional sales of personal items don't need to be reported.

I was in the same boat and kept losing sleep over it. Finally used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD and asked directly. The agent was super clear that personal belongings sales don't affect unemployment benefits at all.

Just want to add that keeping good records is always smart even if you don't think you need to report something. I keep screenshots of all my online sales just in case, but I've never had to use them.

Honestly the whole system is confusing and they don't explain things clearly. No wonder people get stressed about stuff like this. At least forums like this help clarify the rules.

Bottom line - you're overthinking this. Selling your old stuff while on unemployment is totally normal and not something Washington ESD cares about. Focus on finding your next job instead of worrying about this non-issue.