How to fill out unemployment weekly claim - Washington ESD questions

The weekly claim is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. For work search activities, you need to log at least 3 job search activities per week. These can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or even doing career counseling. Make sure you keep detailed records with dates, company names, and what type of activity it was. If you didn't work any hours, just answer 'No' to the work questions and put 0 for earnings.

I've been filing weekly claims for 2 months now. The key thing is to be completely honest about any work you did, even if it's just a few hours. If you earned money that week, report it exactly. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your benefit amount. Also, make sure you're available for work each day - if you were sick or had some other reason you couldn't work, you need to report that too.

I had trouble reaching Washington ESD when I had questions about my weekly claims. The phone lines are always busy. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that 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. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about claim issues.

Make sure you understand the difference between gross and net earnings when reporting work. Washington ESD wants to know your gross earnings (before taxes) for any work you did during the claim week. Even if you only worked one day, you need to report those earnings. They'll reduce your benefit amount accordingly but you might still get some unemployment money.

ugh the weekly claim form is so confusing!! why do they make it so complicated?? i just want my money lol. i've been putting random stuff for work search activities and so far no one has said anything

I always file my weekly claim on Sunday mornings when the system is less busy. The website sometimes crashes during peak times. Also, double-check all your answers before submitting because once you submit, you can't change anything without calling Washington ESD.

For work search activities, I recommend using WorkSource WA website. You can search and apply for jobs there and it automatically creates a record of your job search activities. Makes it easier to track everything for your weekly claims.

The Washington ESD system is a joke. I've been filing weekly claims for months and they still randomly put my account under review for no reason. Now I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening. This whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

One thing that tripped me up was the question about being able and available for work. If you have any restrictions on the type of work you can do or your availability, you need to report that. I thought I could just say yes to everything but they actually investigate this stuff.

Just a heads up - Washington ESD sometimes asks for additional verification of your work search activities. I got a letter asking me to provide proof of my job applications from the past 4 weeks. Luckily I had kept screenshots and emails, but it was stressful.

The weekly claim deadline is really strict. I missed filing one week because I was out of town and forgot. Lost that entire week of benefits and couldn't get it back even though I called Washington ESD to explain.

Pro tip: if you're doing online applications, take screenshots of the confirmation page showing you submitted the application. I learned this when Washington ESD asked for proof and some of the companies' websites didn't keep records of my applications.

been filing weekly claims for 6 months now and honestly its become routine. just remember to be honest about everything and keep good records. the system works if you follow the rules

I use Claimyr whenever I need to reach Washington ESD about my weekly claims. Last month I had a question about reporting training program attendance and got through to an agent right away. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

Watch out for the question about refusing work. If a potential employer offers you a job and you turn it down, you might need to report that on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will want to know why you refused and whether it was for good cause.

The earnings threshold is important to understand. You can earn up to a certain amount before it starts reducing your weekly benefit. I think it's like $150 or something but check with Washington ESD to be sure. Any earnings over that amount get deducted from your benefit dollar for dollar.

Make sure you understand what counts as a 'work search activity' vs just browsing job sites. Actually applying for a job counts. Just looking at listings doesn't. Attending job fairs, networking events, or career counseling sessions also count. Keep detailed records of everything.

Filing weekly claims gets easier with practice. The first few times are confusing but after a month or so you'll zip through it. Just don't get complacent and start rushing through the questions without reading them carefully.

I had an issue where my weekly claim got stuck processing for weeks. Turns out there was a technical glitch with my account. Used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD who fixed it immediately. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to resolve these system issues.