How do I end unemployment benefits with Washington ESD when I start working?

Thanks! So I literally just stop filing weekly claims and that's it? Seems almost too simple.

Yep, that's exactly right. The UI system is designed to stop when you stop filing. No need to notify them separately.

Good point - I do have orientation on Friday this week, so I'll report those hours on my weekly claim.

Yeah definitely report everything. I forgot to report some training hours once and got a letter asking about it months later.

Yeah, I had that problem too when I needed to ask about my job search requirements. So frustrating.

I had the same issue until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much time and stress.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah, it worked for me. They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than spending hours on hold.

Your claim stays active for the full benefit year (52 weeks from when you first filed). If you need to start filing again within that year, you can just resume filing weekly claims without starting a new claim.

oh ok that's good to know. so i don't have to worry about losing my remaining benefit balance if i stop filing for a while?

Exactly. Your remaining balance stays there until your benefit year expires.

Good tip! Where can I find my benefit year end date?

It should be on your monetary determination letter or you can see it when you log into your Washington ESD account online.

That sounds like a nightmare. I'll definitely be extra careful with reporting everything correctly.

Yeah the Washington ESD system cross-references with employers so they usually catch unreported wages eventually. Better to be accurate upfront.

There's no formal way to do that, but if you want documentation, you could send a message through the secure messaging system in your Washington ESD account. Though it's not really necessary.

Thanks, I might do that just for my own peace of mind.

Once you stop filing weekly claims, you don't need to continue your job search activities or maintain the log. The job search requirement only applies when you're actively filing for benefits.

that's a relief! i was worried i'd have to keep doing job searches even while working full-time lol

Yes, you can continue filing weekly claims and report your part-time wages. Washington ESD will calculate a partial benefit amount based on your earnings. Just make sure to report all your hours and gross wages accurately.

Perfect, that's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!

I know it seems confusing but it's actually designed to be simple - just stop filing when you don't need benefits anymore. An 'end benefits' button would probably cause more problems with people accidentally clicking it.

I guess that makes sense when you put it that way. Still frustrating though.

Good point. Fortunately I don't have any pending issues, but that's definitely something to keep in mind.

Yeah I made that mistake. Stopped filing when I got a job but still had an overpayment to deal with. Took months to sort out because I wasn't paying attention to my mail.

It's a good idea to update your address in case Washington ESD needs to send you any correspondence later, like tax forms or notices. You can update it online through your account.

Makes sense, I'll do that before I stop filing. Thanks!

Yeah Claimyr really does work well for getting through to Washington ESD. I've used it a couple times now and it's been super helpful. Worth checking out if you ever need to reach them again.

I'll definitely keep that in mind for the future. Thanks for the tip!

No, stopping your regular UI claim doesn't affect eligibility for extended benefits programs if they're implemented. Those are separate programs with their own eligibility requirements.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying that.

Glad it helped! Congrats on your new job too. Feels good to be getting back to work.

thanks! yeah definitely ready to be done with the whole unemployment thing.

Great advice, I'll make sure to print out everything before I stop filing. Better safe than sorry.

Yes definitely keep records! I needed my benefit statements for a mortgage application two years later.

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

Yeah, you give them your info and they handle all the calling and waiting in the phone queue. Then they connect you directly to a Washington ESD agent when one becomes available. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works.