When did pandemic unemployment end in Washington state - confused about dates

Thanks! So after Sept 4 2021 it was just regular UI benefits with no extra money?

Exactly. Back to the regular weekly benefit amount based on your earnings history.

Same here. The transition back to regular benefits was rough for a lot of people who had been on PUA.

worst part was trying to get through to Washington ESD to ask questions about the switch

Never heard of that service. Does it really work better than calling directly?

In my experience yes. They handle the waiting and get you connected when an agent is available.

I'm skeptical of third party services but honestly anything is better than sitting on hold for 3 hours

No, they all ended the same day - September 4, 2021. PUA, PEUC, and the extra $300 (FPUC) all stopped together.

OK that makes more sense. I was reading something that made it sound like they ended on different dates.

I think I lost mine. Can I still get a copy online this late?

Yes, tax documents stay available in your online account. Log in to your Washington ESD account and look for tax information.

Same experience here. Very little communication from Washington ESD about the changes.

They did send notices but I agree the information could have been clearer about next steps.

Regular unemployment insurance (UI) is a permanent program. It's still available if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Only the pandemic-specific programs ended.

Got it, thanks for clarifying that.

Those groups were so helpful during the pandemic. Lot of misinformation too but people were really trying to help each other.

True, had to be careful about what advice to follow since Washington ESD rules are specific.

How much does something like that cost?

I'd rather pay something reasonable than waste entire days trying to get through. Check their website for current info.

That timing does seem intentional. End of summer, back to normal work patterns.

Probably was intentional. Federal government tends to plan these dates carefully.

All unemployment benefits are taxable income. The main difference was some pandemic benefits had different withholding options.

Should I have had taxes withheld? I don't think I did for some of it.

You might owe taxes then. Consider consulting a tax professional if the amounts are significant.

That's a pretty harsh take. Most people were just trying to survive during an unprecedented situation.

I'm not saying everyone, but there was definitely fraud happening that made it harder for legitimate claimants.

The fraud was a real problem but so was the lack of jobs during the worst of the pandemic.

Overpayment from the transition? What happened there?

There was some confusion about my eligibility during the switch from PEUC to regular UI. Took months to sort out.

Correct. We're back to standard UI rules and benefit amounts. No more pandemic programs or enhanced benefits.

Thanks, that's what I thought but wanted to double check.

Right? The constant changes to programs, the website crashes, the impossible phone waits...

At least Washington ESD's website seems more stable now compared to 2020-2021.

ID verification is still required but the process seems more streamlined now. They use ID.me for most verifications.

Good to know it's improved. That was causing so many claim delays back then.

I'll check my account for multiple forms. Didn't realize there might be more than one.

Yeah, PUA and regular UI sometimes came on separate forms depending on timing.

Glad I'm not the only one who found it confusing! September 4, 2021 seems to be the definitive answer.

Yes, that's the official end date for all federal pandemic unemployment programs in Washington.

Good point. So the basic program continues but the specific rules can evolve over time.

Exactly. Always check current Washington ESD guidance for the most up-to-date benefit information.