Washington ESD - when do you stop claiming unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So even if I only work one day that week I can't claim for the whole week?

Exactly. Washington ESD considers the entire week ineligible if you start a new job during that week.

I didn't know about that section! I just stopped filing when I started working and hoped for the best.

Yeah it's easy to miss but it helps Washington ESD close out your claim properly.

Wait, so I should still file even if I know I won't get paid that week because I worked?

Yes, you should file and report the work. Washington ESD will determine if you're eligible for partial benefits or no benefits that week.

This confused me too when I started part-time work. I thought I should just stop filing but turns out you keep filing until you're working full-time consistently.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Really? I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work for Washington ESD?

Yeah, it worked for me. They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Worth checking out if you're stuck like I was.

Oh no! How much trouble did that cause you?

Washington ESD wanted me to pay back like $600 and I had to appeal it. Eventually got it resolved but it was a headache.

What counts as full-time though? Is it 40 hours or something else?

Washington ESD considers full-time to be your normal work schedule for that type of job. Could be 32 hours, could be 45 hours depending on the position.

I think it's also about whether you're available and actively seeking work. If you take a full-time job you're not available for other work anymore.

That's right! And keep all your documentation just in case Washington ESD has questions later.

Perfect summary. And don't forget - if the job doesn't work out within the first few weeks, you can reopen your claim without having to file a whole new application.

You'd still need to stop claiming if it's full-time work, even if temporary. You can reopen your claim when the contract ends.

Makes sense. I guess any full-time work counts regardless of how long it lasts.

No, as long as you didn't work during the week you're claiming, you're fine. It's about when the work actually happened, not when you file the claim.

Oh good, I was worried I'd have to pay something back. Thanks!

Good idea! I never thought about keeping screenshots.

Yes! I wish I had done this. Would have saved me a lot of stress during my overpayment issue.

Their website is so hard to navigate though. I can never find anything useful on there.

True, it's not user-friendly at all. But the info is there if you dig deep enough.

They do random audits sometimes. Just respond with your employment verification and you should be fine.

Thanks, I was worried something was wrong with my claim.

You keep claiming until you actually start working. Job offers with conditions aren't considered employment until you're actually on the job.

That makes sense. I was worried about stopping too early and then having the offer fall through.

Definitely keep claiming until you're 100% certain you're starting. I've seen conditional offers get rescinded.

Right, once you're working full-time hours consistently, you stop filing weekly claims.

Good to know. I wasn't sure if there was a waiting period or anything.

Is Claimyr expensive? I'm already tight on money from being unemployed.

I think it's worth it compared to the stress of trying to call Washington ESD yourself. Plus if you get bad advice or make a mistake, that could cost way more in overpayments.

That's good to know. I'm definitely going to be extra careful about reporting everything correctly.

Exactly. My overpayment issue was resolved pretty quickly once I showed them I was trying to do the right thing.

Good point! Washington ESD can audit your job search log even after you stop claiming.

Yeah, I almost forgot about that. Made sure to log everything through my last claim week.

No problem! I'm glad it helped others too. This forum is amazing for getting real answers.

Washington ESD should make this information easier to find on their website. Too many people get confused about this basic stuff.

That's a good point I hadn't thought about. Thanks for mentioning it!

Right, and if you don't make it past probation, you can reopen your claim without any penalties.