Washington ESD unemployment compensation rules - what statements are actually incorrect?

The biggest myth I hear is that you have to accept any job offer regardless of pay or working conditions. That's completely false - Washington ESD has rules about suitable work that consider your previous wages, skills, and commute distance.

Another false statement is that you can't go to school while collecting benefits. You actually CAN attend school in many cases, especially if it's job training or related to your field. Washington ESD even has programs that encourage education.

The indefinite benefits thing is definitely wrong. In Washington, regular unemployment benefits max out at 26 weeks in most cases. Extensions only happen during high unemployment periods or other special circumstances.

I spent WEEKS trying to get through to Washington ESD to clarify some of these rules. The phone lines are constantly busy and when you finally get through, sometimes you get different answers from different agents. Finally found claimyr.com which actually got me connected to a real person who could explain the suitable work requirements properly. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's another incorrect statement I hear a lot: 'If you work any hours during a week, you can't claim benefits for that week.' That's wrong - you can work part-time and still receive partial benefits as long as you report your earnings correctly.

People also think you have to be laid off to qualify for unemployment. That's not true - you can quit for good cause and still be eligible, though the bar is pretty high for what counts as good cause.

The 'you can't travel while on unemployment' myth is another big one. You CAN travel as long as you're still available for work and can return for interviews or to start a job quickly.

I keep hearing that unemployment benefits are tax-free income. That's completely false - unemployment compensation is taxable income and you should set aside money for taxes or have them withheld.

Another incorrect statement: 'You have to apply for jobs you're not qualified for to meet the job search requirement.' Washington ESD wants you to conduct a reasonable job search, which means applying for positions you're actually qualified for.

Some people think if you get fired for any reason, you're automatically disqualified. That's not true - it depends on the reason. If you're fired for poor performance (not misconduct), you may still be eligible.

The 'benefits start immediately when you file' myth causes problems too. There's always a waiting week, and if there are any issues with your claim, you might not see payments for several weeks.

People also incorrectly think that unemployment benefits count against your social security earnings record. They don't - unemployment compensation doesn't reduce your future social security benefits.

I mentioned claimyr.com earlier - it's been a lifesaver for getting accurate information directly from Washington ESD agents instead of relying on rumors and myths. Much better than spending hours on hold only to get disconnected.

Here's one that trips up a lot of people: 'If you have any savings, you can't get unemployment.' Your savings and assets don't affect your eligibility for regular unemployment benefits - it's based on your work history and reason for separation.

The 'you can't collect unemployment if you're married' statement is also false. Your spouse's income doesn't affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

One more: 'You lose benefits if you don't accept the first job offer you get.' That's incorrect - the job has to be suitable work based on Washington ESD guidelines considering your skills, experience, and previous wages.

Final myth I'll mention: 'Unemployment benefits are the same amount for everyone.' Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your previous earnings, so people with higher wages generally receive higher benefits up to the state maximum.

This has been a great discussion! It's amazing how many myths and incorrect statements circulate about unemployment compensation. When in doubt, always check with Washington ESD directly rather than relying on secondhand information.