What happens if I decline Washington ESD unemployment benefits for a week?

You can decline benefits for a week without it affecting your overall claim. When you file your weekly claim, there should be an option to indicate you don't want to claim benefits for that week. Just make sure you still file the weekly claim - you can't skip filing entirely.

Oh good, I was worried I'd have to restart my whole claim. So I still file but just say I don't want the payment?

Exactly! You'll still need to answer all the questions about job search activities and availability, but you can decline the actual benefit payment.

Actually, wouldn't it be better to just report the earnings instead of declining? If you're only slightly over the limit, you might still get a partial payment. Washington ESD allows you to earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they reduce benefits.

I thought about that but I'm going to be about $50 over the limit, so I'd get zero benefits anyway and then have to deal with the earnings verification.

Fair point. If you're going to get zero either way, declining is probably cleaner paperwork-wise.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible. The phone lines are always busy and I get hung up on constantly. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

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

Yeah it worked for me. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line.

wait so if I decline benefits for a week does that extend my claim by a week? like do I get an extra week at the end?

No, your benefit year is still the same length. You just don't use up one of your weekly benefit payments, so you'd have that money available later in your benefit year.

ohhhh ok that makes sense. so its like banking a week basically

I declined benefits for two weeks last year when I had some freelance work. No problems at all resuming afterward. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims and doing your job search requirements even for the weeks you decline.

Did you have to provide any documentation about why you declined? I don't want to trigger an investigation or anything.

Nope, no questions asked. The system just processed it normally.

This is exactly why the unemployment system is broken. People gaming the system by declining benefits when it's convenient and then jumping back on. Meanwhile people who actually need help can't get through to anyone.

I'm not gaming anything - I'm trying to follow the rules correctly. I paid into this system and I'm entitled to use it properly.

There's nothing wrong with declining benefits when you have work. That's literally how the system is supposed to work.

The key thing is to never skip filing your weekly claim entirely. Even if you decline benefits, you still need to file and answer all the questions about job search, availability, etc. Skipping the filing completely can close your claim.

Good to know! I'll make sure to file on time even though I'm declining that week.

Update: I tried that Claimyr thing and it actually worked! Got connected to a Washington ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending all day calling. Worth it if you're stuck.

How much did it cost? I'm wondering if it's worth it for my situation.

It was reasonable considering how much time it saved me. Way better than burning vacation days calling Washington ESD all day.

so just to be clear - I file my weekly claim but check the box that says I don't want benefits for that week? and then next week I can go back to normal?

Yes, exactly. You'll still need to report your work search activities and answer the availability questions, but you can decline the actual payment.

I did this once and Washington ESD sent me a letter asking why I declined. Had to explain the whole situation to them later. Just be prepared for possible follow-up questions.

Really? That's concerning. What did you tell them?

Just explained I had temporary work that put me over the earnings limit. They accepted it but it was a hassle.

I think some people are overthinking this. Declining benefits for a week is a normal part of the system. Lots of people do it when they have temporary work or other reasons. Washington ESD expects it.

Agreed. The system is designed to handle people going in and out of work. That's the whole point.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you're on standby status with your employer, the rules might be different. Regular UI and standby have different requirements for reporting work and declining benefits.

I'm on regular UI, not standby, so I think I'm good with the standard process.

ugh I hate how complicated this all is. why cant washington esd just make it simple

Because it's government bureaucracy. Everything has to be complicated to justify their existence.

For what it's worth, I've helped several people navigate this exact situation. The process is straightforward: file your weekly claim as usual, answer all the questions honestly, but decline the benefit payment. You can resume normal benefits the following week without any issues.

Thanks, that's really reassuring. I was worried I'd mess up my claim somehow.

Make sure you keep records of everything - screenshots of your weekly claim filing, any correspondence, etc. Cover your bases in case Washington ESD asks questions later.

Good advice. I'll screenshot everything when I file this week.

One more thing about Claimyr - they also helped me understand some of the rules I was confused about. The agents they connected me to were really helpful explaining the whole process.

That's good to know. I might try them if I run into issues with my claim.

I work in HR and deal with unemployment stuff regularly. Declining benefits for a week is totally normal and won't affect your claim status. Just make sure you continue filing and meeting all other requirements.

Thanks! It's helpful to hear from someone who deals with this professionally.

sounds like youve got good advice here. just file your weekly claim but decline the payment and youll be fine

Yep, that seems to be the consensus. Thanks everyone for the help!

Glad we could help! Just remember to keep doing your job search activities even for the week you decline benefits. Washington ESD still requires that.

Definitely will. I'll treat it like any other week except for declining the payment.

Good luck with your temporary gig! Hope it leads to something more permanent.

Thanks! Fingers crossed. At least now I know how to handle the benefits properly.