Washington ESD - what to do when you get a job on unemployment benefits

Congratulations on the job! You'll report your new employment when you file your weekly claim. Make sure to report your gross earnings for any week you work, even if it's just a few days. Washington ESD needs to know about all work activity and income.

definitely file your weekly claim for this week if you didnt work. then next week when you file report the hours and gross pay from your new job

Make sure you understand how Washington ESD calculates partial benefits. If you work part-time, you might still be eligible for some unemployment benefits. They have a formula based on your weekly benefit amount and earnings. Keep filing weekly claims as long as you're working less than full-time hours.

I was in the same boat last month when I got hired. Couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone to ask questions. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent to clarify the reporting process. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Really saved me the headache of calling repeatedly.

ALWAYS report work immediately! The worst thing you can do is not report income. Washington ESD will find out eventually through quarterly wage reports from employers and then you'll have an overpayment to deal with.

congrats on the job! what field are you in? still looking myself

One important thing - make sure you keep records of your job search activities up until you start working. Washington ESD requires you to maintain your job search log right up until you begin employment. Don't slack off on that requirement just because you got hired.

Question about this - if you work just one day in a week, do you report the full week as working or just that one day? I'm confused about how Washington ESD wants part-time work reported.

Still trying to get through to Washington ESD about my claim that's been in adjudication for a month. Anyone else having issues reaching them by phone lately?

Make sure when you report your work income that you use your GROSS pay, not net. A lot of people make that mistake and it can cause issues with their claim calculations.

does washington esd automatically close your claim when you start working full time or do you have to do something?

Congrats OP! I remember when I got my first job after being on unemployment - such a relief. Just be honest about everything when you file your weekly claims and you'll be fine.

One thing to watch out for - if your new job doesn't work out and you need to file for unemployment again, there might be a waiting period. Just something to keep in mind, hopefully you won't need it!

I'm so jealous! Been on Washington ESD benefits for 4 months now and still nothing. What industry is hiring?

Quick question - when you report work income, does it have to be reported the week you earned it or the week you got paid? I always get confused about this timing.

Washington ESD's website has a pretty clear explanation of how to report work and earnings. Check the 'File Weekly Claim' section - it walks you through exactly what to report and when.

Used Claimyr myself when I had questions about reporting work income while on standby status. Really helped me get through to someone at Washington ESD who could explain the rules clearly.

Bottom line - just be honest and report everything accurately. Washington ESD isn't trying to trick you, they just need accurate information to process your claim correctly.

Good luck with the new job OP! Hope it works out well for you.