What is MEUC unemployment in Washington ESD system?

Oh that makes sense! I did have some freelance work last year along with my regular job. So this is separate from my regular UI benefits?

Exactly, it's a supplemental payment on top of your regular unemployment benefits. The program ended in 2021 though, so no new applications are being accepted.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it really does. I was skeptical at first but it saved me so much time and frustration trying to reach someone at Washington ESD.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already struggling financially which is why I need unemployment help in the first place.

So if someone qualified for MEUC, do they still get it even though the program ended?

If your claim was already established before the program ended, you should continue receiving it as long as you're eligible for regular UI benefits. But new claims can't be filed.

You had to specifically apply for MEUC, it wasn't automatic. And you needed at least $5,000 in net self-employment income, not just any gig work.

Damn, I probably made that much from DoorDash but never knew about this program. Is it too late to apply now?

Unfortunately yes, the MEUC program ended in September 2021. No new applications are being accepted.

MEUC eligibility is tied to your regular UI eligibility, but there can be separate issues that affect just the MEUC portion. You'll need to contact Washington ESD to find out what happened.

I've been trying to call but keep getting busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting forever.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. The Washington ESD phone system is a nightmare but Claimyr gets you through to an actual person who can look at your account.

It's because traditional unemployment insurance doesn't cover self-employment income. MEUC was created to help people who had both types of income but couldn't claim UI on the self-employment portion.

I guess that makes sense but why couldn't they just include it in regular unemployment calculations?

MEUC is a flat $100 per week if you qualify. It's not based on your self-employment income amount, just whether you had at least $5,000 in net earnings.

Oh wow, I thought it would be calculated like regular UI benefits. That's still helpful though.

MEUC is separate from your regular UI calculation. You can receive both your full regular UI amount plus the $100 MEUC supplement.

That's good to know. Makes the complicated application process worth it then.

MEUC determinations can take a while because they have to verify your self-employment income. Make sure you submitted all required documentation.

I submitted everything they asked for but the wait is killing me. Need that extra money badly right now.

Same boat here. The adjudication process for MEUC seems to take forever compared to regular UI claims.

Usually they want tax returns showing self-employment income, Schedule C if you filed one, and sometimes additional documentation like 1099s or business records.

Thanks! I have my tax returns but wasn't sure what else they might want.

Glad we could help! Just remember the program ended in 2021, so if you don't already have an active claim, you won't be able to apply for new MEUC benefits.

Got it. Since I'm already receiving regular UI, I'm hoping I might still be eligible for the MEUC portion if I had enough self-employment income.

There were several pandemic-era programs like MEUC, PUA for gig workers, and PEUC for extended benefits. Most of these have ended now though.

Wish I had known about these earlier. Could have really used the extra help.

I might have to try that. This waiting game with Washington ESD is really stressing me out.

Definitely worth it. The peace of mind from actually talking to someone who can look at your account is huge.