Washington ESD approved my unemployment claim - what happens next?

Thanks! Do I file the weekly claim on Sunday or can I do it any day during the week?

You can file starting Sunday but you have until the following Saturday to submit it. Most people do it Sunday morning to get it out of the way.

What counts as a job search activity? Does just browsing job boards count or do I need to actually apply?

You need to actually apply or make contact. Just browsing doesn't count. Applications, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events - those all count.

Also register with WorkSourceWA if you haven't already. Some of their workshops and career counseling sessions count toward your job search requirements.

Mine says benefit year ends in December 2025. Does that mean I can collect for the full year even if I find a job sooner?

If you find a job you need to report it immediately. You can't collect unemployment while working full time. Part time work is different - you can still collect partial benefits if you work less than full time.

How does that work? Do they just call for you or something?

Yeah they handle the calling and waiting on hold, then connect you when they get an agent. Way better than sitting there for hours getting busy signals.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my job search log.

Oh no I didn't think about taxes! How do I set up the withholding?

log into your account and look for tax withholding options. i think you can choose 10% federal withholding.

Yeah definitely set up withholding unless you want a big tax bill next year. I always do 10% federal and save some extra for state taxes.

How long does the first payment usually take? I'm already behind on some bills.

For me it was about 5-7 business days for the first payment after I filed my first weekly claim. After that it was pretty consistent, usually 2-3 days.

I think I got some paperwork but I'll look for a handbook. Is it available online too?

Yes it's on the Washington ESD website. Search for 'unemployment handbook' or 'claimant handbook' and you should find it.

That's a good system. Do you keep a spreadsheet or something to track your job search activities?

Yeah I have a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and how I applied. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities so keep good records.

I use a notebook but spreadsheet is probably better. Just make sure you can prove you actually did the job search activities if they ask.

What if I sell some stuff on eBay or Facebook Marketplace? Does that count as income?

If you're selling personal items for less than you paid, probably not. But if you're buying and reselling for profit, that's income. When in doubt, report it.

Good point. Better safe than sorry when it comes to unemployment rules.

Exactly why I ended up using Claimyr when I had questions. Sometimes you really need to talk to a human at Washington ESD and the phone system is brutal.

I think I set that up when I first applied but I'll double check. Thanks for the reminder!

Yeah definitely verify it's set up correctly. I've heard of people waiting weeks for checks because their bank info was wrong.

Haha thanks! At least I have some income while I'm looking. Makes the job search less stressful.

Exactly! That's what unemployment is for. Take your time to find the right job, not just any job.

Good advice. I was thinking about taking some online courses while I'm looking for work.

Do it! Many online courses count toward your job search requirements too, so it's a win-win.

Thanks for the encouragement! Feels good to know I'm not the only one figuring this out.

Nope, lots of us have been there. This forum is great for getting answers when you're confused about something.

Good to know! I'll definitely ask if I'm unsure about anything.

Yeah, the Washington ESD phone system sucks but it's better than dealing with an overpayment or disqualification later.

Can you file the weekly claim from your phone or do you need a computer?

I always do it on my phone. The mobile site works fine for weekly claims, though some other stuff is easier on a computer.

What makes a job 'suitable'? Is it just about the pay rate?

It's based on your skills, experience, and local wage standards. Generally you can't refuse a job that pays at least 80% of your previous wage after the first few weeks.

The rules get more strict the longer you're on unemployment. What might not be suitable work in week 1 could be considered suitable work in week 10.

Good idea! I'll start keeping better records of everything unemployment related.

Trust me, future you will thank present you for staying organized. Unemployment stuff generates a lot of paperwork.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about what I need to do now.

That's what this community is for! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues with your weekly claims or job search requirements.