What are excess wages for unemployment - Washington ESD confusion

Oh that makes sense! So if I earned $450 in a week and my benefit is $400, then $45 would be excess wages?

Exactly right. You'd still get your full $400 benefit that week because $450 - $405 (your benefit plus disregard) = $45 excess, but since it's less than your full benefit amount, you still get paid.

Wait, it's supposed to be gross wages? I've been reporting my take-home pay this whole time...

Yes, always report gross wages before taxes and deductions. You might want to call Washington ESD to correct your previous claims if you've been reporting net wages.

Great, now I'm panicking. How do I even get through to someone at Washington ESD? I've been trying to call for days.

Is that legitimate? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

It's legit - they just help you navigate the phone system to reach an actual Washington ESD representative. I was skeptical too but it worked for me when I needed to fix my claim.

That's what's confusing me. Some weeks I work more hours than others at my part-time job. So my benefits will vary week to week?

Exactly. Your UI payment adjusts based on what you earn each week. If you earn less than your benefit amount plus $5, you get your full benefit. If you earn more, it reduces accordingly.

Good point. I stopped filing for a few weeks when I thought I was earning too much and it messed up my claim status.

Yeah, always file your weekly claim even if you think you won't get paid. It keeps your claim active.

Overtime is just part of your gross wages for that week. Report the total amount you earned including overtime - Washington ESD doesn't distinguish between regular and overtime pay for UI purposes.

Thanks, that makes it easier. I was overthinking it.

Tell me about it. The whole system is confusing when you're already stressed about money.

At least the online system calculates it automatically now. Used to be much worse.

Yes, you still need to meet the job search requirements even if you don't receive a payment that week due to excess wages. Your claim is still active.

Ugh, more work for no pay. But I guess it makes sense to keep the claim active.

Good thinking. Sometimes working more actually nets you less money when you factor in lost benefits.

Exactly. The goal is to maximize your total income, not just your work income.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's really reasonable for what you get - direct access to Washington ESD agents instead of sitting on hold for hours. Check their site for current info.

That's my situation actually. I picked up holiday hours and now I'm worried about how it affects everything.

Just report it honestly week by week. The system handles the calculations and you'll know exactly what you're getting each week.

How much is 'way more'? I don't want to accidentally close my claim.

Generally if you're earning significantly more than your weekly benefit amount for several consecutive weeks. But it varies by situation.

I get the frustration but it's designed to supplement lost wages, not add to full wages. The $5 disregard helps a little.

still feels like they're discouraging people from working

Yes, commissions count as wages and should be reported in the week you receive them, not when you earned them. So if you get paid commission on Friday, report it for that week's claim.

That makes sense. So I report based on when I actually get the money, not when I made the sale.

How did you get that fixed? I think I might have done the same thing.

Had to call and explain the situation. They can adjust the claims but it takes time. Better to be careful with the dates from the start.

I might need to try that. Still confused about how this applies to my irregular schedule.

Yeah, definitely helps to talk through your specific situation with someone who knows the system.

That's a really smart approach with the spreadsheet! I wish I had thought of that when I started. It would have saved me so much stress trying to figure out if I'd still get benefits each week. Do you include things like taxes and deductions in your tracking, or just focus on the gross wage calculation?

@Benjamin Carter That spreadsheet idea is brilliant! I ve'been stressing about this every week not knowing what to expect. For the spreadsheet, do you track it by pay period or by the actual week you report the wages? I get paid biweekly but sometimes the pay period spans multiple claim weeks, so I m'never sure how to break it down correctly.

@Benjamin Carter This is such a helpful tip! I ve'been panicking every week not knowing what to expect. Quick question about your spreadsheet method - do you also track your hours worked along with wages? I m'wondering if there s'a pattern between hours and when I hit that excess wage threshold. Also, does Washington ESD ever audit these calculations or do they just go with what you report?

@Benjamin Carter This spreadsheet idea is genius! I ve'been losing sleep trying to calculate this stuff in my head every week. Do you also track which weeks you had to do job search activities even when your excess wages wiped out your benefit? I want to make sure I m'staying compliant with all the requirements even when I don t'get paid that week.