How to terminate unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - need to stop payments

Thank you! So I don't need to call them or anything? Just stop filing the weekly claims and that's it?

Exactly. The system will automatically mark your claim as inactive when you don't file. If you need to reopen it later for any reason, you can always do that online too.

Good point about training days. I have orientation Thursday and Friday before my official start date Monday. Should I report those days?

Yes, definitely report those if you're getting paid for orientation. Washington ESD is pretty strict about unreported work.

I made that mistake once - didn't report training days and got an overpayment notice months later. Always report any paid work days.

That's exactly what I was worried about - spending forever on hold just to ask a simple question. Good to know there's a way to actually talk to someone if needed.

Never heard of Claimyr but honestly anything that helps get through to Washington ESD sounds worth trying. Their phone system is impossible.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits! You just need to report your work hours and earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will calculate your reduced benefit amount.

really?? how does that work exactly? i thought any work meant no benefits

Not at all! You can earn up to a certain amount (varies by your weekly benefit amount) and still get partial unemployment. Report everything honestly and they'll do the math.

Yikes, how much did you have to pay back? I definitely don't want to deal with that.

It was just one week so about $420, but still a pain to deal with. The appeal process took forever even though it was an honest mistake.

Good reminder. I've been keeping track but was wondering if I needed to keep doing it through my last week.

Yeah they can ask for job search records going back months. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

I was actively searching for about 8 weeks. Don't give up! I had several interviews that didn't pan out before this one came through.

Thanks for the encouragement. The job market feels so weird right now but good to know persistence pays off.

Keep at it! I just found something after 4 months. The right opportunity will come along.

That's good to know. Hopefully I won't need that information but it's reassuring to have options.

Exactly. I had to reopen mine once when a job didn't work out after 3 weeks. Process was pretty straightforward online.

Good idea about the screenshots. I've been pretty good about keeping records but want to make sure I have everything documented.

That's been my experience too. The problems usually happen when people try to hide work or aren't truthful about their situation.

Yeah I definitely want to be completely transparent. Better safe than sorry with government benefits.

Perfect, that's exactly what I was planning to do. Thanks for confirming the timeline.

Yes, and if you worked any days during that last week, make sure to report those hours and earnings on that final claim.

Good point! I think I get paid every two weeks so there might be a gap. Glad I saved some money from the unemployment payments.

Smart planning. That gap between last unemployment payment and first paycheck can be tough if you're not prepared for it.

I might look into that if I have any other questions. Sometimes it's just nice to hear it directly from an official source.

Thank you! I really appreciate everyone's help. This forum is so much more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone.