How does unemployment work in Washington - complete beginner needs help understanding the process

Not a dumb question at all! Here's the basic process: 1) Apply online at esd.wa.gov, 2) Wait for approval (can take 1-3 weeks), 3) File weekly claims every week to get paid. Your benefit amount depends on your wages from the last 18 months. The system will calculate it automatically when you apply. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history, and reason for separation.

The basic process is: 1) File your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov, 2) Wait for approval (can take 1-3 weeks), 3) File weekly claims every week to get paid, 4) Do job searches as required. Your benefit amount is based on your previous wages - usually around 60-70% of your average weekly pay up to the state maximum.

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join! First thing - don't panic. The Washington ESD system can seem complicated but it's manageable once you understand the basics. You'll file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov, then file weekly claims every week to get paid. Your benefit amount is based on your wages from the past year, usually around 60% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum. You do need to actively search for work and log your job search activities.

Welcome to the unemployment world! It's not as scary as it seems once you understand the basics. First, you'll need to file an initial claim on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank account info for direct deposit. The system will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your past wages - usually around 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum amount.

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems! First, you'll need to file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation. After that, you file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work. The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week, and you need to keep a log of your search activities.

Welcome to the unemployment world! First things first - you file your initial claim at esd.wa.gov. Washington ESD (Employment Security Department) handles all unemployment benefits in our state. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. The process isn't too bad once you get started, but there's definitely a learning curve with all the terminology.

The Washington ESD website has a good step-by-step guide. Your weekly benefit amount will be roughly half your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $999 per week in 2025. You can collect for up to 26 weeks normally. Make sure you have all your employer info ready - business names, addresses, dates of employment, and your last day worked.

Just went through this process myself last month. The hardest part is honestly just getting through to someone at Washington ESD when you have questions. Their phone lines are constantly busy and you'll spend hours on hold. I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me through to an agent in like 10 minutes - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

First thing - don't panic! You likely qualify since you were laid off (not fired for cause). In Washington, you need to have worked and earned wages in multiple quarters during your base period. Since you worked 8 months, you should be fine. The basic process: file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov, then file weekly claims every Sunday to get paid. You'll get a percentage of your previous wages, up to the state maximum.

The basic process: 1) File initial claim online 2) Wait for approval (can take 1-3 weeks) 3) File weekly claims every Sunday 4) Complete job search requirements 5) Get paid if everything checks out. Your benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter from the last 18 months. In Washington, maximum weekly benefit is around $1,015 but most people get less depending on their salary history.

First, take a deep breath! The Washington ESD unemployment process isn't as scary as it seems once you understand the steps. You'll need to file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked), and your bank account info for direct deposit. The basic idea is that you file an initial claim, then file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Don't panic! The unemployment process seems complicated at first but it's actually pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. First, apply as soon as possible - there's a waiting week so delays just push your first payment further out. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including dates and employer contact info. The Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov has the online application.

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems once you understand the basics. Washington ESD (Employment Security Department) runs the unemployment insurance program. First, you'll need to file an initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. The system will determine if you qualify and calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your past wages.

The Washington ESD system has several key components you need to understand. After filing your initial claim, it goes through an adjudication process where they verify your employment history and determine if you're eligible. This can take 2-6 weeks depending on complexity. You'll need to register with WorkSource Washington and complete job search activities. Weekly claims must be filed every Sunday for the previous week, and you must report any work or income.

The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW), then file your initial unemployment claim. After that, you'll file weekly claims every Sunday. Make sure you report any work or income during the week, even if it's just a few hours. The system will calculate your benefits based on your earnings history.

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) File your initial claim online 2) Wait for your monetary determination letter showing your benefit amount 3) File weekly claims every week starting the Sunday after you file 4) Complete job search activities (3 per week) 5) Keep detailed records of everything. Your weekly benefit amount is roughly 1/25th of your highest quarter earnings in your base period, up to $999 per week maximum in 2025.

First, don't wait - apply for unemployment benefits immediately through Washington ESD's website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (dates, employer names, addresses, wages), and your bank account info for direct deposit. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start.

Welcome to the unemployment world! First thing - yes, you file online at esd.wa.gov. You'll create an account and file your initial application. Washington ESD (Employment Security Department) will review your work history and determine your weekly benefit amount based on your previous wages. The whole process can take 2-3 weeks if there are no issues.

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join! First thing - you apply online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The sooner you apply the better since there's a waiting week before benefits start.

First thing - don't panic! Washington ESD has a pretty straightforward process once you understand it. You'll file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov, then file weekly claims every week to get paid. The amount depends on your past wages, usually around 60-70% of what you were making up to the state maximum.

Here's what you need to know for the job search requirement - you have to make 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of all your activities. This includes applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, etc. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this so don't skip it or you could lose your benefits.

ugh the waiting is the worst part. I filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. Keep calling Washington ESD but can never get through - always busy or they hang up after an hour on hold. Getting desperate here

Honestly, I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim. The phone lines are always busy and I'd get disconnected after waiting for hours. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. It was so much easier than trying to call myself.

The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. File your initial application on the Washington ESD website - it'll ask for your employment history, wages, reason for separation. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment details ready. After you file, you'll need to register with WorkSource and start looking for work immediately.

UGH the whole system is such a nightmare! I've been waiting 3 weeks for my claim to get out of adjudication and nobody can tell me what's going on. The website is confusing, the phone system hangs up on you, and half the time the online portal doesn't even work properly. Good luck dealing with Washington ESD - you're gonna need it!

The weekly claims are really important - you have to file them every week even if you haven't heard back about your initial claim yet. I made the mistake of not filing for two weeks because I thought I had to wait for approval first. Lost those two weeks of benefits because of it.

Job search requirements are NO JOKE in Washington. You need to make 3 job contacts per week and keep detailed records. They can audit your job search activities at any time. I got selected for a job search review and had to submit all my records. Make sure you're actually applying for suitable work, not just random jobs.

One thing that tripped me up - make sure you understand the difference between your waiting week and regular benefit weeks. Washington has a one-week waiting period before you can collect benefits, but you still need to file that first weekly claim even though you won't get paid for it.

The basic process is: 1) Apply online at esd.wa.gov, 2) File weekly claims every week, 3) Actively search for jobs and log them. Your benefit amount depends on your previous earnings. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to get your first payment if there are no issues with your claim.

Don't panic! The Washington ESD unemployment process isn't as complicated as it seems once you understand the basics. First, you'll apply online at their website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank info for direct deposit. After you apply, Washington ESD will determine if you qualify and how much you'll receive (your weekly benefit amount). Then you'll file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. The weekly claims are basically you reporting that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Washington ESD is the Employment Security Department - that's the state agency that handles unemployment benefits. You'll need to file your initial claim at esd.wa.gov. The process is mostly online now. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked.

just filed mine last week, still waiting... the website is confusing as hell

Here's what you need to know about the Washington ESD process step by step: 1) File your initial application online 2) Wait for your monetary determination letter (tells you your weekly benefit amount) 3) Start filing weekly claims 4) Look for work and keep a job search log 5) Report any work or income on your weekly claims. The key thing is you MUST file your weekly claims every week even if you haven't been approved yet, or you'll lose those weeks of benefits forever.

First step is filing your initial claim on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. The weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest earning quarter in your base period, usually around 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to the maximum. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks if there are no issues.

First thing - apply ASAP! Don't wait because there's a waiting week before benefits start. Go to esd.wa.gov and file your initial claim. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. The system will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your past wages.

The key thing to understand is that after you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. This is where you report any work you did that week and any money you earned. You also have to be actively looking for work and keep a job search log.

Just went through this myself last month. The hardest part is actually getting through to Washington ESD if you have questions or problems. Their phone lines are constantly busy and the website can be confusing. I probably called 50+ times before getting through to someone. There's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

been through this process twice in the last few years. make sure you have all your employer info ready - exact dates of employment, wages, addresses. they're gonna ask for everything and if you don't have it ready it just slows things down

The weekly benefit amount in Washington is calculated based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. Generally you can get up to $1,015 per week maximum, but most people get somewhere between $200-600 depending on their previous wages. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks typically.

After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. This is where you report any work you did that week and any money you earned. You also have to certify that you're able to work, available for work, and actively searching for jobs. The job search requirement is 3 employer contacts per week unless you're in certain programs.

Just went through this process myself last month. One thing that really helped was using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent when I had questions. The phone lines are always busy but this service (claimyr.com) helped me connect without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Here's the basic process: 1) File initial claim online 2) Wait for determination letter 3) If approved, file weekly claims every week 4) Look for work and keep a job search log 5) Report any work or income. Your weekly benefit is roughly half your average weekly wage up to $999 maximum. Benefits last up to 26 weeks typically.

The basic process is: 1) File your initial claim online, 2) Wait for approval (this is where adjudication might happen if there are questions), 3) File weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work, 4) Get paid if everything checks out. You have to do job searches every week too - usually 3 job search activities.

I was in your exact situation 6 months ago and the hardest part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. The phone lines are constantly busy and you can spend hours trying to get through. I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

The job search requirement is 3 job applications per week minimum. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD can audit your job search activities. I learned this the hard way when they asked for proof and I had to scramble to recreate my search log.

Just went through this whole process last year and it was confusing at first. One thing that really helped was using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. The phone lines are always busy but Claimyr gets you through. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

just filed last week, its pretty straightforward but the website can be confusing. make sure you file your weekly claim every week or you wont get paid for that week

The weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings during your base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. Maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently around $1,015 but most people get less than that.

One thing to prepare for - if there are any questions about your separation from work, your claim might go into adjudication. This means they need to investigate before approving benefits. It can take 2-6 weeks and there's not much you can do except wait. If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone during this process, I discovered a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to actual agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

The weekly claims part is super important - you have to file every single week even if you haven't heard back about your initial claim yet. Miss a week and you won't get paid for that week, period.

The amount you get depends on your earnings in your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed. In Washington the weekly benefit amount ranges from $295 to $999 per week. You can get benefits for up to 26 weeks typically. You'll also need to file a weekly claim every week to get paid.

I just went through this process myself. One thing nobody tells you is how hard it can be to actually reach Washington ESD by phone if you have questions or problems. I spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or being hung up on after waiting for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to get answers about my claim status.

The key thing to understand is that unemployment in Washington has several requirements you must meet continuously. You need to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and file your weekly claims every week even if you haven't heard back about your initial claim approval. Missing a weekly claim can cause issues later.

Just wanted to say I was in the same boat last year and the whole process was way less scary than I thought. The hardest part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's what you need to know about the job search requirements since that trips up a lot of people. You need to register with WorkSource Washington and complete at least 3 job search activities per week. These can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking training courses. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

Just a heads up - if you have any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, their phone lines are absolutely swamped. I spent weeks trying to get through. Recently discovered claimyr.com which actually got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Just a heads up - if you have any complications with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, their phone lines are absolutely swamped. I spent weeks trying to get through. Recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim, good luck getting through on the phone. I spent weeks calling hundreds of times. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and stress.

the unemployment system in washington is honestly pretty straightforward once you get started. just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week and keep looking for work. i think the weekly benefit amount is based on what you earned in your base period which is like the first 4 of the last 5 quarters or something like that

ADJUDICATION is the word you need to know. If there's ANY question about your eligibility, your claim goes into adjudication which means a human has to review it. This can take WEEKS. Common reasons: quit vs laid off confusion, not being available for work, job search issues. Pray your claim doesn't go into adjudication because that's when the real waiting begins.

Also want to mention - if you run into any issues with your claim status or need clarification on something, definitely consider using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. I was so frustrated trying to reach them on my own, but their system actually works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

Quick tip - set up direct deposit immediately when you file your claim! Paper checks take forever to arrive and can get lost in the mail. The direct deposit option is buried in the account settings but it's worth finding.

ugh this whole system is so confusing and they make it way harder than it needs to be. i've been trying to figure out my claim status for weeks and can't get through to anyone at washington esd. the website is terrible too

One thing to know is that your benefits are based on your earnings in your 'base year' which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed. So if you file in January 2025, they'll look at your earnings from October 2023 through September 2024. The maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently around $1,015 per week.

Here's what you need to know about Washington ESD requirements: You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, have worked enough hours in your base period (usually last 4 completed quarters), be able and available for work, and actively seek work. The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week once your waiting week is over.

The hardest part for me was getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions. Their phone lines are always busy and you get disconnected constantly. I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD in like 15 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest earning quarter in the past year. In Washington, the maximum is around $999 per week but most people get much less. You can get benefits for up to 26 weeks normally, though this can vary based on unemployment rates.

OMG the whole system is SO confusing at first! I remember being overwhelmed too. But basically you file online, then file weekly claims every week, look for jobs, and they send you money. The hardest part is understanding all the rules about what you can and can't do while collecting benefits.

About the job search thing - yes it's required! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, contacting employers, going to job fairs, etc. You also need to register with WorkSource Washington. Don't skip this because they do audits and if you can't prove your job search activities you'll have to pay back benefits.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing!! i applied 2 weeks ago and still dont know if im approved or not. it just says pending on my account. this is so stressful when you need money for bills

One thing to watch out for - sometimes your claim goes into adjudication if there are questions about your separation or eligibility. This can delay payments for weeks while they investigate. If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim status, good luck getting through on the phone. I tried calling for days.

The Washington ESD website is confusing as hell. took me forever to figure out where to file my weekly claims. Also why do they make you answer so many questions every week? seems like overkill

UGH the whole system is so confusing! I filed 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear anything. My account just says 'claim under review' and when I try calling I get disconnected after being on hold for 2 hours. How are people supposed to pay bills during this waiting period?? This is ridiculous!

Just wanted to say hang in there! I was laid off last year and the unemployment process helped me get through until I found a new job. The weekly benefit amount is based on your previous earnings - in Washington it's roughly 60% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum. For 2025 the max is around $1015 per week.

Make sure you have all your documents ready before you start - social security card, driver's license, and information about your last employer including dates and reason you left. Washington ESD will ask for all this stuff.

ok so basically you file online, then file every week, do job searches, and wait for money. got it. but what if you get a temporary job while collecting? do you still file weekly claims?

been on unemployment 3 times over the years and its pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. file weekly claims on sunday, do your job searches during the week, dont work more than you're allowed or they'll reduce your benefits

Make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and standby status. If you have a definite return to work date within 8 weeks, you might qualify for standby which has different requirements. Also, if you're in a union, check if they have specific procedures you need to follow.

I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status. Spent hours on hold every day for weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you connected to ESD agents directly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration!

Just went through this myself last month. After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. You can do this online or by phone. You'll answer questions about any work you did that week and any job search activities.

The whole system is broken. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to process and they keep saying 'adjudication in progress' with no timeline. Meanwhile I can't pay rent. This is supposed to be a safety net but it's more like a trap.

Just a heads up - calling Washington ESD is basically impossible. I spent hours trying to get through when I had questions about my claim. If you need to talk to someone about your claim status or have issues, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

OMG the job search requirement is SO STRESSFUL. What if I apply for jobs but nobody calls me back? Does that count? What if I mess up the log? I'm so worried I'm going to do something wrong and have to pay everything back!

The job search requirement is 3 job search activities per week once you start getting benefits. Keep detailed records because they can audit you. Use WorkSourceWA.com to log your activities - it connects directly with Washington ESD.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to get answers about your claim, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have this system that calls for you and gets you connected. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Honestly, trying to get through to Washington ESD on the phone is a nightmare. I spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or being disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. If you need to talk to someone, I discovered this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in like 15 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) File initial claim online at secure.esd.wa.gov 2) Wait for approval decision 3) Once approved, file weekly claims every week 4) Do job search activities and keep records 5) Report any work or earnings 6) Receive payments via direct deposit. The maximum weekly benefit amount in 2025 is around $999 per week, but most people get less depending on their previous wages.

One important thing - your first week after filing is typically a waiting week where you won't receive benefits even if approved. This is normal and required by Washington state law. So don't panic if your first payment doesn't come right away.

Here's what you need to know about the ongoing requirements: You MUST file a weekly claim every week even if you haven't heard back about your initial application. You also need to actively search for work and keep a job search log. In Washington you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and be able to prove it.

Don't forget about the tax implications! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld (10% federal) or pay quarterly/at tax time. Also, if you're getting severance pay, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD has specific rules about how severance is handled.

Important things to know: You must be able and available for work each week, and you need to do job search activities (usually 3 job contacts per week). Keep detailed records of your job search because Washington ESD can audit you. Also, report ANY income you earn, even small amounts, or you could face an overpayment later.

also heads up that if there's ANY issue with your claim it goes into something called adjudication which can take weeks or even months to resolve. happened to me when my previous employer contested my claim

Don't forget about the waiting week! There's a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, but you still need to file that first weekly claim.

The whole system is designed to make you give up honestly. They make it as complicated as possible on purpose. I had to deal with adjudication for 6 weeks because they questioned why I left my job even though I was clearly laid off. The bureaucracy is insane.

ugh the whole system is such a mess. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because of some stupid adjudication issue they never explained properly. make sure all your info is perfect when you file or you'll be stuck waiting forever

been on unemployment 3 times over the years and honestly the system is a pain but it works. biggest thing is dont miss your weekly claims or you lose benefits for that week. also they're really strict about the job search stuff now

ugh the washington esd system is such a nightmare... took me 8 weeks to get my first payment and nobody could tell me why. the website crashes constantly and the phone lines are always busy. just be prepared for a lot of frustration

UGH the Washington ESD system is SO CONFUSING for new people! I remember being completely lost when I first had to file. The website isn't very user-friendly and all the terminology is like learning a new language. What really helped me was just diving in and filing the application, then figuring out the weekly claims part as I went. Don't overthink it too much!

This is all really helpful everyone! One more question - what if I get a job offer while I'm collecting unemployment? Do I have to take any job that's offered?

Here's what I wish someone had told me: file your claim on Sunday night or Monday morning if possible. The system gets overloaded later in the week. Also, when you file your weekly claims, be very careful about reporting any work or income - even small amounts. Lying or making mistakes can cause big problems later.

One thing that tripped me up - you have to file your weekly claim every single week even if you haven't been approved yet. Miss a week and you lose that week's benefits permanently. Set a reminder on your phone for Sunday mornings.

Don't forget about the tax implications! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or you'll owe when you file your return. I learned this the hard way last year.