Is unemployment considered a public benefit in Washington state?

Thanks! Should I list the weekly amount or my total benefits received so far?

Usually they want your weekly benefit amount. Check if the form specifies monthly or weekly - most want the ongoing weekly payment.

You need to report unemployment income to DSHS for food assistance. It's considered income and could affect your benefit amount. Contact them ASAP to update your case.

I've been using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD agents when I can't reach them normally. It's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything is better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected.

This is an important distinction! UI is an earned benefit but still counts as public assistance for most purposes.

Right, it's not like TANF or other welfare programs but housing applications usually lump all government income together.

Did you have any issues with other benefit applications because of reporting UI?

nah just had to provide my 1099-G from Washington ESD showing how much i got for the year

Good point about it being temporary. Some landlords are hesitant about UI income but legally they can't discriminate.

Actually had a landlord reject me because I was on unemployment. Is that even legal?

Don't forget you'll get a 1099-G from Washington ESD at tax time showing all your unemployment income for the year.

That's really helpful to know from someone who sees these applications regularly!

Do you know if extended benefits or standby unemployment are treated differently?

All unemployment types through Washington ESD are treated the same for our income calculations - regular UI, standby, everything.

Yeah read the form carefully - some want gross income, others want net after taxes.

Yes, standby unemployment is still processed through Washington ESD and counts as public benefit income just like regular unemployment.

Standby is actually really common in Washington with seasonal industries. Same rules apply for reporting it.

If you're still having trouble reaching ESD about that overpayment, I used a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to actual agents. Really worked for me when I was stuck in adjudication.

I'll check that out, thanks. This overpayment notice makes no sense and I can't get anyone on the phone to explain it.

Exactly. Most applications have language about penalties for not reporting all income sources.

Did they make you report it retroactively or just going forward?

Just going forward thankfully, but they did adjust my food stamps amount based on the UI income.

Thanks for the legal reference! That's helpful for understanding the distinction.

Good to hear it went smoothly for you! Did they ask for any documentation from Washington ESD?

They wanted my most recent payment statement from the ESD website showing my weekly benefit amount.

That's a good point about the temporary nature. Some landlords worry about what happens when UI runs out.

Is there a cost for using Claimyr or is it free?

There's a fee but honestly it's worth it to avoid spending entire days trying to get through on the phone. The video demo explains how it works.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful. I'll make sure to include my UI income on the housing application.