How to properly end unemployment benefits when you get a job - Washington ESD process?

Thanks! So I do need to file one more time to report the work? I was worried about that.

Yes, definitely file that final claim. It's better to over-report than under-report with Washington ESD.

You report earnings for work actually performed during the claim week, not future work. So if you haven't worked yet, you wouldn't report earnings for that week.

Ok that makes sense. So I'd report it the following week when I file.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Did they actually get you through to someone?

Yeah, within like 20 minutes. I was shocked. The agent confirmed I needed to file one final claim with my work start date and earnings, then I could stop filing after that.

How much does that cost though? I'm trying to save money since I'm between jobs.

It's worth it to avoid overpayment issues. Check out claimyr.com for details. I'd rather pay a small fee than deal with Washington ESD trying to claw back money later.

Yikes, how much did they want back?

Like $800 plus penalties. Had to appeal and it was a nightmare. Just be super careful about reporting everything correctly.

I've been trying to call for weeks about a different issue. The wait times are insane.

Yeah that's why I mentioned it sarcastically. The phone system is broken.

There isn't really a 'close claim' button. You just stop filing when you're working full-time. The claim becomes inactive automatically.

Ah ok, I was thinking of something else then.

Thanks! It's in healthcare administration. Keep looking, something will turn up!

That's awesome. I'm in IT so hopefully there's something out there for me too.

Good point! Mine is full-time so I'll stop after reporting the first week.

How do they calculate the reduction for part-time work? Is it dollar for dollar?

No, they have a formula. I think you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount before they start reducing it significantly.

That's smart about having a clear record. I'll make sure to note the exact date.

Exactly. Documentation is everything with Washington ESD. Better to have too much info than not enough.

Yes, you can reopen your claim within the benefit year if you become unemployed again. You'd need to meet the work search requirements and report the reason for separation.

Good to know. Hopefully won't need it but it's reassuring to know it's an option.

Oh good point! I hadn't thought about that. I'll keep logging activities until Monday.

Yeah, they can audit your job search activities for any week you claimed benefits, so stay compliant until the end.

I know right? The whole unemployment system is needlessly complicated.

like why do I need to jump through hoops just to stop getting benefits lol

That's a good reminder about them having access to employment records. Better to be upfront about everything.

Exactly. They cross-reference with employers so there's no point in trying to hide anything.

You need to maintain job search activities for any week you're claiming benefits. Once you start working full-time and stop filing, the requirement ends.

Makes sense. Thanks for clarifying that.

Thanks for the info! Sounds like Claimyr is really helpful for getting through to Washington ESD.

Yeah, it saved me a lot of headache. The peace of mind knowing I did everything correctly was worth it.

Good point. I don't think I have any pending issues but I'll double-check my account.

Yeah, just check your eServices account to make sure everything is clear before you transition off benefits.