What is a weekly claim for unemployment in Washington - confused about the process

That makes sense! So it's not a whole new application, just confirming my status each week?

Exactly! You'll answer questions about job searches, any work you did, and income you earned. Much shorter than the initial claim.

Good to know! How many hours can you work and still get partial benefits?

It depends on how much you earn, not just hours. Washington ESD has a formula but generally if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you might get something.

Wait, really? That seems harsh. What if you're in the hospital or something?

There are very limited exceptions for things like hospitalization, but you need documentation. Best to just set a reminder and file every week on time.

I learned this the hard way too. Lost two weeks of benefits because I thought I could catch up later. The system is not forgiving about missed deadlines.

Interesting, I'll check that out. The phone lines are always busy when I try to call.

Is that one of those paid services? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to Washington ESD.

I get the frustration, but when you're dealing with benefit issues time matters. Sometimes it's worth it to actually reach someone instead of calling 50 times.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do I need to actually talk to someone?

Online applications count, but also networking contacts, attending job fairs, contacting employers directly. Keep a log with dates, company names, and what you did.

WorkSourceWA also has resources that count toward your job search requirements. Creating a profile there and using their services can help you meet the weekly requirements.

That's helpful clarification! I was wondering about the timing.

Yeah and if you worked during that claim week, you report the gross earnings from that week, not when you got paid.

Yes, keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication. If you get approved, you'll get paid for all the weeks you filed. If you don't file, you lose those weeks.

Thanks! I was worried about filing while it was still pending but that makes sense.

I had the same question when my claim was in adjudication for a month. Kept filing and eventually got all the back pay when it was approved.

That doesn't sound too bad. I was imagining something much more complicated.

It really is simple. The hard part is just remembering to do it every week and keeping track of your job search activities.

What if I'm sick for just one day during the claim week? Does that disqualify the whole week?

Not necessarily. It depends on the circumstances. If you were available to work most of the week, you might still qualify. When in doubt, be honest and let Washington ESD decide.

I had food poisoning for two days one week and still got my full benefit. But I was honest about it on the weekly claim and explained the situation.

Good to know there are options. I'll probably stick with online filing.

The phone system for filing weekly claims is pretty user-friendly too if the website is down or you're having technical issues.

That's great advice about making it a routine. I'll definitely set up a reminder.

I file mine every Sunday morning with my coffee. Having a consistent schedule really helps so you don't forget.

The deadlines stay the same even during holidays. The system is automated so it doesn't really matter if it's a holiday weekend.

Thanks for clarifying! I was worried I'd miss the deadline because of the holiday.

I might need to try that if I run into issues. The thought of spending hours on hold is not appealing.

I was skeptical at first but honestly it saved me so much time and frustration when I needed to talk to someone about my claim.

Hopefully I won't need that information, but good to know for the future!

Yeah, reopening is usually faster than filing a brand new claim if it's been less than a year since your last claim.

That's probably the best summary of everything. File every week, be honest, and let them figure out the rest.

Exactly! Don't try to second-guess whether you qualify for a particular week. Just file and answer the questions truthfully.