New to Washington ESD - what does it mean to collect unemployment benefits?

Oh that makes sense! So I already paid for this through my paychecks? How do I know if I qualify?

Yes exactly! You qualify if you worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. Washington ESD will calculate this when you apply online.

How much work searching do I need to do? And how do they verify I'm actually looking?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. They can audit you anytime so keep good records of where you applied.

Ugh that sounds frustrating. Is there a better way to get help when you have questions?

I ended up using Claimyr.com to get through to an agent. It's a service that handles the calling for you - saved me so much time and frustration. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That's actually more than I expected! How long can you collect benefits?

Regular UI benefits last up to 26 weeks in Washington, but it depends on your work history and current unemployment rates.

Good point! I'll start the application tonight. Is it complicated to fill out?

not really just have your employment info ready like dates and wages from your last few jobs

Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready before starting the application.

Thanks, I was actually feeling a bit embarrassed about it but you're right.

Nothing embarrassing about using a safety net you paid into! That's literally what it's designed for.

Oh I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withheld or pay later?

I'd recommend having them withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next April. It's 10% federal withholding.

What day do the weekly claims open? And what if I'm sick or forget one week?

Weekly claims open Sunday at 12:01 AM and close Saturday at 11:59 PM. If you miss a week, that money is gone - Washington ESD doesn't allow late filings.

What if I do some cash work helping a friend move or something? Do I need to report that too?

Technically yes, any work should be reported. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this stuff and the penalties for not reporting work can be severe.

What's adjudication? Should I expect delays too?

Adjudication is when they review your claim to make sure you qualify. It's pretty common for first-time filers. Mine took 3 weeks but some people wait longer.

If your claim goes into adjudication and you need to speak with someone, that's another time when Claimyr can really help get you through to an agent faster.

That's reassuring. Do they check up on your job search activities regularly?

They do random audits but if you're keeping honest records you'll be fine. Just document everything - where you applied, when, and what type of job it was.

What if I get sick during the week? Does that affect my claim?

If you're sick and unable to work, you shouldn't file a claim for that week. You need to be able and available for work to receive benefits.

Are there common mistakes I should watch out for?

Double-check all your employment dates and wages. Make sure your Social Security number is entered correctly. Those are the most common errors that cause problems.

Yeah that seems to be a common complaint about getting through to Washington ESD on the phone.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - they handle all the calling frustration for you so you can actually get answers to your questions.

Thanks! I'll set that up tonight along with starting my application. This has been super helpful everyone!

Good luck with your claim! Remember to file your weekly claims every week and keep looking for work. You've got this!

That's a good way to think about it. I'm actually hoping to find something with better benefits than my warehouse job.

Exactly! Sometimes a layoff can be a blessing in disguise that pushes you toward better opportunities.

That's good to hear. I was worried it would be super complicated and bureaucratic.

It's definitely gotten more user-friendly. Just be patient with yourself as you learn the system and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Thank you so much everyone! I feel way more confident about applying now. Going to start the process tonight.

You're welcome! And remember, if you run into any issues getting through to Washington ESD for help, Claimyr is there as a backup option. Made my whole experience much less stressful.