What is unemployment insurance benefit - confused about Washington ESD eligibility

Unemployment insurance (UI) is basically financial assistance Washington ESD provides when you lose your job through no fault of your own. Since you worked retail for 8 months, you likely built up enough work history to qualify. The benefit amount depends on your wages during your base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim.

What's a base period? This is all so confusing. Do I need to prove I was fired or can I just apply?

Base period is just the timeframe they use to calculate your benefits based on your earnings. If you were laid off or fired for reasons other than misconduct, you should be eligible. You'll need to provide details about why your employment ended when you apply.

UI benefits are weekly payments to help you while you're between jobs. In Washington, the maximum weekly benefit is around $999 but most people get much less depending on their previous wages. You have to file a weekly claim every week to continue receiving benefits, and you must actively search for work.

How do I file these weekly claims? Is it online or do I have to call somewhere?

It's all done online through the Washington ESD website. You'll create an account and file your initial claim, then come back every week to file your weekly claim. Make sure to keep track of your job search activities because they'll ask about that.

been trying to call washington esd for 2 weeks about my claim status and cant get through. the phone just rings and rings or i get a busy signal. anyone else having this problem?

Oh man, I had the same issue last month! I was calling every day for weeks. Finally discovered this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

never heard of that but honestly anything is better than this endless calling. will check it out thanks

Wait, you have to call them? I thought everything was online.

The whole unemployment system is a nightmare. I've been waiting 3 weeks for my claim to get out of adjudication and nobody can tell me why it's taking so long. Washington ESD is completely overwhelmed and understaffed.

Adjudication can take time, especially if there are questions about your separation from work. Did you receive any correspondence asking for additional information?

No correspondence at all, just says 'adjudication in progress' on my account. It's been 3 weeks and I'm running out of money.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr when my claim got stuck. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to figure out what's holding things up.

unemployment insurance benefit is money the state pays you when you lose your job. you pay into it through payroll taxes while working so its not welfare or anything like that. in washington the minimum is like $295 per week and max is around $999 depending on what you made

I never noticed unemployment taxes being taken out of my paycheck. Are you sure about that?

In Washington, employers pay the unemployment tax, not employees. So you wouldn't see it deducted from your paycheck, but your employer was paying into the system on your behalf.

Just to add - you typically get benefits for up to 26 weeks in Washington, but this can vary based on the unemployment rate and other factors. You also have to be able and available for work, which means you can't be going to school full-time or have other restrictions that prevent you from accepting suitable work.

What counts as suitable work? Do I have to take any job or can I be picky?

Generally, suitable work means jobs that match your skills and pay at least 80% of your previous wage initially, though this percentage decreases over time. You can't turn down reasonable job offers without good cause.

This is why I hate the system. They force you to take crappy jobs that pay less than what you were making. It's not really insurance if they're controlling what work you can accept.

One thing to know is that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I learned this the hard way and owed money at tax time.

Wait, so unemployment benefits count as income for taxes? That seems unfair since you're already in a tough situation.

Yeah, it's considered income by the IRS. Washington ESD will send you a 1099-G form at the end of the year showing how much you received in benefits.

The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week in Washington. You need to keep a log of your job search activities and be prepared to provide details if asked. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

Do online applications count as job contacts? Like if I apply through Indeed or company websites?

Yes, online applications definitely count. Just make sure you keep records of where you applied, when, and for what position. Screenshot your application confirmations.

I've been keeping a spreadsheet with all my applications. Makes it so much easier when filing the weekly claims.

Something nobody mentioned - if you worked in multiple states, you might have options about where to file your claim. But since you said this was your first job, you'll definitely file in Washington where you worked.

Good to know, but yeah I've only worked in Washington. How long does it take to get approved once I apply?

If there are no issues with your claim, you could see your first payment within 2-3 weeks. But if it goes to adjudication for any reason, it can take much longer.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible. There's a waiting week in Washington, which means you won't get paid for your first eligible week. The sooner you file, the sooner that waiting week starts.

What's a waiting week? Why do they make you wait?

It's just how the system works - your first eligible week serves as a waiting period. You still have to file for that week, you just don't get paid for it.

I think the waiting week is stupid. You're already stressed about losing your job and they make you wait even longer for help.

Quick tip - make sure your contact information is always current with Washington ESD. If they need to reach you about your claim and can't, it can cause delays. Check your account regularly for any correspondence or requests for information.

How often should I check my account? Daily?

I'd check at least weekly when you file your weekly claim. They'll usually send you messages through the online system if they need anything.

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA - you might be required to register there as part of your job search requirements. It's Washington's official job search website and they have career counseling services too.

Is that separate from the Washington ESD website? This is getting complicated.

Yeah, it's a different website but they work together. WorkSourceWA is more focused on job search and career services, while Washington ESD handles your actual unemployment claim.

I had to do an orientation at WorkSource when I first filed. It was actually pretty helpful for updating my resume and job search strategies.

Just want to emphasize - be completely honest on your application and weekly claims. Any false information can result in overpayment notices, penalties, or even criminal charges. It's not worth the risk.

What kind of things do people lie about? I don't want to accidentally mess something up.

Common issues are not reporting work or earnings, claiming you're looking for work when you're not, or providing false information about why you lost your job. Just be truthful about everything.

I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD for weeks until someone recommended Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get connected to an actual agent without all the hold time and busy signals. Honestly saved my sanity during a really stressful time.

Is Claimyr expensive? I'm trying to save money since I'm unemployed.

I think it was worth it considering how much time and frustration it saved me. Check out their video demo at that YouTube link someone posted earlier to see how it works.

I was skeptical about using a third-party service at first, but when you're dealing with urgent claim issues and can't get through the normal way, sometimes you need alternatives.

One last thing - keep records of everything. Save screenshots of your online filings, keep copies of any documents you submit, and document all your job search activities. This will help if you ever need to appeal a decision or prove your eligibility.

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. I'm going to apply online today and see what happens.

Good luck! The process can seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of filing your weekly claims, it becomes routine. Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions.

You've got this! The hardest part is just getting started. Make sure to file your initial claim as soon as possible to get that waiting week behind you.