How do I end my unemployment benefits with Washington ESD properly?

So I file for the partial week I wasn't working? Do I put the start date of my new job?

Yes exactly, report the days you weren't working and mark the date you returned to full-time work. The system will automatically close your claim after that.

Thanks! I've been keeping everything in a folder. How long should I hold onto the job search logs?

This is good advice. I made the mistake of just stopping my claims when I got a job last year and had to call Washington ESD to straighten out my account.

What kind of problems did that cause? I definitely want to avoid any issues.

It just showed my claim as still active when it should have been closed. Took forever to get through on the phone to fix it.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into any issues. Hopefully I won't need to call at all.

Never heard of that but honestly anything that helps with Washington ESD phone system sounds worth trying

Good point! I haven't gotten my first paycheck yet since I just started, so I'll need to calculate based on my hourly rate.

Exactly. Just multiply your hourly rate by hours worked for that week. The system will calculate any partial benefit you might be owed.

I think it's because they need to track your earnings and make sure you're not owed any partial benefits for that final week. The system does most of the work automatically once you report.

I guess that makes sense but it's still annoying when you just want to be done with unemployment

That's reassuring! Did you get any confirmation that it was properly closed or did you just check your account?

I just checked my account online. Your claim status will change and you won't be able to file new weekly claims anymore. No special confirmation needed.

No, properly closing a claim doesn't affect future eligibility. You'll just file a new initial claim if you become unemployed again.

Thanks, that's what I thought but wanted to make sure!

That's a good distinction. I definitely want to close it completely, not just stop getting benefits.

Right, and filing that final claim with your return to work date is what closes it completely. Don't just stop filing.

Thanks! I'm in IT, took a while to find something that was a good fit but finally landed a great position.

That's awesome! IT jobs seem to be picking up again. Gives me hope for my own search.

That makes sense. I'd rather be working than collecting benefits anyway!

Exactly the right attitude. Those unused weeks don't roll over to future claims either, just FYI.

Keep applying everywhere, even if the job doesn't seem perfect. This one wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it's a great opportunity. Don't give up!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep pushing forward.

Smart thinking! I'll definitely do that. Better safe than sorry with Washington ESD.

This is really good advice. Documentation saves so much headache later if any questions come up.

File on the Sunday after your work week ends. So if you start Wednesday, file that Sunday for the partial week (Sun-Tues unemployed, Wed-Sat working).

Perfect, that's what I thought but wanted to confirm. Thanks!

Good to know there are options if I run into any problems. Hopefully everything goes smoothly!

I might need to try that service. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about an issue with my claim.

You're right, I'm probably overthinking this. I'll just file the final claim and move on. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

Exactly! And congratulations again on the new job. It's a great feeling to close out that unemployment chapter.