How much can I earn and still collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 and still receive partial benefits. So if your weekly benefit is $400, you can earn up to $395 and still get some unemployment. Anything over that and you get nothing for that week.

wait i thought it was different than that... i've been working part time and my benefits keep getting reduced weird amounts

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this exact question. Spent hours calling and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made it so much easier to get my earnings questions answered directly.

Just remember you have to report ALL work and earnings, even if it's cash under the table or just one day. Washington ESD will find out eventually and hit you with fraud charges if you don't report it.

ugh the reporting system is so confusing!! do i report gross or net earnings?? and what about tips???

Also important to know - if you work more than your usual full-time hours (typically 40), you might not be eligible for benefits that week regardless of how much you earned. Washington ESD considers you unavailable for full-time work.

I've been doing gig work (DoorDash, Uber) while on unemployment. Still counts as earnings right? Even though it's 1099 work?

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely TERRIBLE for getting answers about earnings questions. I probably called 200 times before getting through to someone. Ended up using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned and it actually worked. Got connected to an agent who explained everything clearly.

Quick question - if I start a new job but quit after 2 days because it was awful, do I still have to report those 2 days of earnings?

Been there! I earned exactly my benefit amount one week and got $5. Better than nothing I guess but barely worth the gas to get to work lol

Does anyone know if bonuses or commissions count differently? I might get a small commission check from my old job.

I made the mistake of not reporting a small cash job thinking it wouldn't matter. Washington ESD found out somehow and now I have to pay back 3 weeks of benefits plus penalties. ALWAYS REPORT EVERYTHING!

The earnings deduction formula is actually pretty fair compared to some states. At least you don't lose all benefits if you earn just $1 over the limit.

Pro tip: keep detailed records of all your earnings and when you reported them. If Washington ESD ever questions something, you'll have documentation.

I tried calling Washington ESD about earnings rules and after 3 hours of calling back got nowhere. Finally tried Claimyr and got through to someone who knew the rules inside and out. Worth every penny when you're stressed about messing up your claim.

Bottom line: when in doubt, report it. Better to report something you didn't need to than to not report something you should have. Washington ESD would rather see over-reporting than under-reporting.

This is really helpful info everyone! I'm new to the unemployment system and was completely confused about the earnings rules. From what I'm understanding, the key points are: 1) Report ALL earnings (gross, not net), 2) You can earn up to (weekly benefit + $5) before losing all benefits for that week, 3) Any earnings reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar after the $5 disregard, and 4) Keep detailed records of everything you report. Is that right? Also seeing a lot of mentions about how hard it is to reach Washington ESD by phone - definitely something to keep in mind if I need to call them.