How to certify unemployment benefits - Washington ESD weekly claim process?

Thank you! I see the weekly claim option now. Do I need to certify for the weeks I was waiting for adjudication too?

Yes, you should be able to file for those back weeks once your claim is approved. The system will show you which weeks are available to certify.

What if I did some gig work for like $50 one day? Do I need to report that?

Yes, report ALL income. Washington ESD will deduct it from your weekly benefit amount but you might still get partial benefits.

I learned this the hard way - they found out about unreported income from my tax records and hit me with an overpayment notice for $1,800.

How much does that cost though? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

It's way cheaper than missing weeks of benefits because you can't get through to fix problems. Worth checking out their site for details.

Do online applications count as job search contacts?

Yes, online applications count. Just make sure you're keeping detailed records with company names, dates, and how you applied.

I use a spreadsheet to track everything - makes it so much easier when you have to report it.

What time on Sunday? Is there a specific cutoff?

I think it's 11:59 PM on Sunday but don't wait until the last minute - the system gets overloaded.

I know it seems overwhelming at first but once you do it a few times it becomes routine. The key is just being consistent and honest with your answers.

yeah hopefully it gets easier

I don't think I'm on standby, I was permanently laid off. How can I check my claim type?

It should show in your account under claim summary or claim details. Regular UI claims are the most common.

Good advice! I always do mine Sunday morning with my coffee.

The system was down for maintenance last Sunday morning though, so maybe not TOO early lol

You can use your phone but the desktop version is definitely more user-friendly. The mobile site can be glitchy sometimes.

Thanks, I'll stick to my laptop then.

You should call Washington ESD immediately to report the mistake. It's better to correct it yourself than have them find it later during an audit.

Good luck getting through on the phone though. When I had to fix a mistake, I tried calling for days before I got through.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they're really helpful for getting through to actual agents when you need to fix something important like this.

Generally online classes don't affect your benefits as long as you're still available for work. Just make sure the classes don't interfere with your ability to accept a job if offered.

That makes sense, thanks. I just want to use this time productively.

This is really helpful, thank you! I feel much more confident about the process now.

Great summary! I wish someone had told me all this when I first started filing.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. How do I set up tax withholding?

There should be an option in your account settings to elect federal and state tax withholding. It's 10% federal and varies for state.

Screenshots are a great idea! I never thought of that.

Yeah I learned that lesson when the system went down right after I certified and I had no proof I'd filed on time.

That's good to know! I might pick up some part-time work while I'm looking for full-time.

Just make sure to report all hours and earnings accurately. Washington ESD has a formula they use to calculate partial benefits.

Happy to help! We've all been there trying to figure out the system.

Agreed! I feel so much better prepared now. Going to file my first certification tomorrow morning.