How do you end unemployment benefits in Washington - stop filing weekly claims?

Thanks! So if I start work on Monday, I should file for the days I was unemployed earlier in the week?

Exactly. If you were unemployed Sunday through Wednesday and start work Thursday, you'd claim those first few days of that week.

Good point, I'll make sure to report everything accurately on that last claim.

What happens if you forget to report wages on your last claim? Can they come after you for overpayment?

Yes, Washington ESD can absolutely issue overpayment notices even months later. Always better to be accurate upfront.

How much does that service cost? I'm always suspicious of third-party services for government stuff.

I get the skepticism, but it's totally legitimate. The value is just not having to waste hours trying to get through on the phone. Worth it when you actually need to talk to someone at ESD.

That's good to know in case I run into issues. Hopefully my situation is straightforward enough that I won't need to call.

That's not great advice. You should definitely file for any partial weeks you're eligible for - why leave money on the table?

i mean yeah if ur technically eligible but most people just stop when they get a job

That's really helpful to know! So I don't have to worry about 'officially' closing anything then.

Wait, so your claim stays active for a whole year? I had no idea about that.

Yep, the benefit year runs for 52 weeks from your initial application date. Most people don't realize this.

If you accidentally file a claim you shouldn't have, contact Washington ESD immediately to correct it. They can reverse payments if caught quickly enough.

How quickly is 'quickly enough'? Like within a day or do you have more time?

The sooner the better, but I've seen people fix mistakes within the same week without major issues. Don't wait though.

Thanks! It's in tech support, not exactly what I was doing before but I'm grateful to have something steady.

That's awesome, tech support skills are really transferable too. Hope it works out well for you!

Smart thinking, I'll definitely screenshot everything. Better safe than sorry with government systems.

YES this is so important. I had an issue months later and having screenshots saved me hours of headaches.

You don't pay back benefits you were legitimately entitled to. Overpayments only happen when you receive benefits you weren't eligible for - like not reporting work or being disqualified for some reason.

Oh okay that makes sense. I was worried I'd have to pay everything back when I found a job.

Nope, unemployment is insurance you're entitled to when you meet the requirements. Finding work is the goal - no penalties for succeeding!

I'll check that out, thanks for the reference!

Same here! The rules seem straightforward until you actually have to navigate the system.

Exactly! And trying to get someone on the phone to explain things is nearly impossible most of the time.

Perfect, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience!

How long did it take for your claim to show as inactive? Just curious.

I think it was about 3-4 weeks before the status changed online, but that doesn't really matter - you just stop filing and move on.

Good point, I'll double check my account for any red flags before I file that last claim.

This is where Claimyr really helped me out - I had a pending issue I didn't even know about until I got connected with an ESD agent who explained what was going on.

I've been keeping detailed records, definitely planning to hang onto them for a while just in case.

How long should you keep those records? Is there a specific time frame Washington ESD recommends?

I'd keep them for at least a year, maybe longer. Audits or questions can come up unexpectedly.

Haha yeah I tend to overthink things but I'd rather be careful with government benefits stuff.