How to claim your weekly unemployment benefits - Washington ESD online system help

Thank you! Do I need to have my job search log completed before I file the weekly claim or can I do it after?

You should complete your job searches before filing your weekly claim. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time, so it's better to have them documented first.

That's reassuring, thanks. I was worried they'd think I wasn't available to work that day.

Washington ESD understands people have medical appointments. As long as you're not out of work due to your own illness, you should be fine.

Same here! I think their system gets overloaded on weekends. I usually try early morning or late evening when fewer people are online.

Good tip, I'll try again tonight. This system is such a pain sometimes.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD online or by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really helped when I was stuck in a similar situation.

This is exactly what I needed! One more question - do I need to report any freelance work I might do while on unemployment?

Yes, you must report ALL income including freelance, gig work, and cash jobs. Washington ESD will deduct it from your weekly benefit amount based on their earnings deduction formula.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. Thanks for the warning!

This is important advice. Washington ESD requires continuous weekly claims to maintain your benefit year, even if your payment is reduced to zero due to earnings.

I didn't know WorkSourceWA connected to the unemployment system. That makes it much easier!

Yeah, it's actually pretty convenient. You can also attend virtual workshops and those count toward your job search requirements too.

The workshops are great and some of them are actually helpful for improving your resume and interview skills.

Good to know! I'll make sure to file by Saturday night to be safe.

I always file on Friday just to avoid any weekend technical issues with their website.

That's a good clarification. So if I was sick one day but fine the rest of the week, I should still answer yes?

If you were sick and unable to work for any part of the week, you should answer honestly. Washington ESD evaluates each situation individually.

Yeah, honesty is always the best policy with these questions. Better to explain the situation than get caught in an inconsistency later.

Usually 2-3 business days if you have direct deposit set up. Longer if you're getting a debit card or check.

I have direct deposit so hopefully it shows up tomorrow. This waiting is nerve-wracking when bills are due.

If it's been more than a week and you haven't gotten paid, definitely call Washington ESD. Sometimes claims get flagged for review and you need to speak with someone to resolve it.

A spreadsheet is a great idea! Do you also track when you hear back from employers?

Yes, I include follow-up dates and responses too. It helps me stay organized and Washington ESD likes to see that level of detail if they audit your job search.

That's annoying! I'll make sure to gather all my information before I start filing.

Pro tip: open a second browser tab with your job search log or any other info you might need so you're not switching back and forth.

That's good to know! I wasn't sure if any work would completely cut off my benefits.

Nope, Washington ESD actually encourages part-time work while you're looking for full-time employment. Just make sure to report every penny you earn.

The earnings deduction formula is on their website if you want to calculate it yourself before filing your weekly claim.

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's helpful to hear from someone who's been through the process multiple times.

No problem! The first few weeks are definitely the hardest as you figure out the system, but it gets easier.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into problems. How much does something like that cost?

I'd rather not get into specific costs here, but for me it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Great advice! I'll start doing that right away.

This is excellent advice. Always keep records of your interactions with any government agency, especially when benefits are involved.

I'm not on standby status, but good to know for others who might be reading this.

Yeah, standby status has its own set of rules and requirements. Much different from regular unemployment benefits.

That makes sense. Honesty seems to be the theme here from everyone's advice.

Exactly. The consequences for unemployment fraud in Washington are severe, including paying back benefits with penalties and potential criminal charges.

Good to have that option available. Hopefully I won't need it, but it's reassuring to know there are ways to reach someone when needed.

Glad we could help! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues with your claims.

Good luck with your job search and getting back to work!