Washington ESD unemployment benefit how long - duration and timeline questions

Thanks that's helpful! Do I need to report job searches every single week or just when they ask for it?

You need to keep a record of your job search activities every week, but Washington ESD only requires you to submit your job search log when they request it during an audit. Keep detailed records just in case.

I did set up direct deposit so hopefully it comes through soon. What happens if I accidentally miss filing one week?

You can still file for the missed week but you'll need to explain why you didn't file on time. Washington ESD might accept it if you have a good reason.

How much does that cost? I'm already strapped for cash waiting for my benefits to start.

It's worth it when you need to talk to someone urgently about your claim. Much better than spending all day trying to get through on your own.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. Used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and needed to speak with someone ASAP.

Where exactly do I find that information in my account? I see a lot of numbers but I'm not sure which one is the maximum.

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look for 'Benefit Year Information' - it should show your maximum benefit amount and how much you've used so far.

Are you using WorkSourceWA for your job search? They have resources that might help and Washington ESD requires you to register with them anyway.

yeah i'm registered but their job listings are mostly the same stuff i see everywhere else. it's just discouraging

What counts as a 'suitable' job? Does it have to be the exact same type of work I was doing before?

Generally it needs to be work you're qualified for and pay at least a certain percentage of your previous wages. The longer you're on benefits, the more flexible they expect you to be about accepting different types of work.

Unfortunately, Washington doesn't have extended benefits programs right now like they did during the pandemic. Once your 26 weeks are up, regular unemployment benefits end. You might want to look into other assistance programs before then.

Have you considered job training programs? Sometimes there are programs that can help with income while you learn new skills.

Good to know! I was thinking about picking up some gig work but wasn't sure how that would affect my benefits.

Just report everything honestly. They have a formula for how much they'll reduce your benefits based on your earnings. It's usually still worth it to work part-time.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they specialize in getting through to Washington ESD when the phones are jammed. Really helped me when I was stuck.

I might have to try that. I've wasted so many hours trying to call them myself.

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough hours and earned enough wages since your last claim. The exact requirements depend on how much you worked and when. If you don't qualify for a new claim, you might be able to reopen your old claim if it's still within the benefit year.

That's complicated. Sounds like I'd need to talk to someone at Washington ESD to figure out my specific situation.

Thanks for the tip! I did file on Sunday this week so hopefully that was the right thing to do.

Yes! I always file Sunday morning with my coffee. Makes it routine so I don't forget.

What kind of issues cause adjudication? I'm worried something might come up with my claim.

Could be anything - if your former employer contests your claim, if there's missing information, if they need to verify your identity or work history. Sometimes it's just random.

When mine went into adjudication, I used Claimyr to get through to someone who could explain what was holding it up. Turned out to be a simple paperwork issue that got resolved quickly once I talked to the right person.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes! How much should I expect to owe?

Depends on your total income for the year and tax bracket. I'd recommend having them withhold 10% just to be safe, or set aside money each week for taxes.

What if you're just visiting another state temporarily? Like if I want to visit family for a week?

Short trips should be fine but you still need to be available for work. If you're gone for more than a few days you might need to report it on your weekly claim.

Agreed. The website has information but it's scattered all over the place and hard to find what you need.

The WorkSourceWA offices can sometimes help explain things in person if you're really stuck. They have staff who understand the unemployment system.