When do you stop filing for unemployment Washington ESD weekly claims?

Thanks! So I should file this week since I haven't started yet, but not file next week when I start the job?

Exactly right. File for this current week if you're still unemployed, then stop when you start full-time work.

This is confusing. What if I start a part-time job while still looking for full-time work? Do I keep filing?

Yes, you can still file weekly claims with part-time work as long as you're under full-time hours and actively seeking full-time employment. Just report all your hours and wages accurately.

The key is Washington ESD considers you unemployed if you're working less than full-time and still available for work. Always report partial earnings on your weekly claim.

Oh no! How did you resolve it? I definitely don't want that to happen.

I spent weeks trying to call Washington ESD with no luck. Finally used this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. Did they help you get the overpayment resolved?

That's more complicated. You'd need to reopen your claim and Washington ESD would review why you quit. If it was without good cause, you might be disqualified.

Good cause meaning what exactly? Like if the job was completely different from what they said?

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or the job being substantially different from what was offered. But voluntary quit cases go through adjudication.

I know it seems obvious but I've never been on unemployment before and don't want to screw anything up!

Don't listen to that person. It's smart to ask questions. Better safe than dealing with Washington ESD overpayment issues later.

Good point! I've been keeping my job search log updated in WorkSourceWA. Should I keep doing that until I file my last claim?

Yes, maintain your job search requirements until your final week of filing. You need to be actively seeking work for every week you claim benefits.

How many job contacts do you need per week again? I always forget the exact requirement.

Thanks! Mine shows 3 too so that matches what you said.

Some people have different requirements based on their situation. Always check your specific case rather than assuming.

Hopefully that won't happen but good to know! What kind of rules?

You generally have to reopen within a certain timeframe and the reason for leaving matters. If you quit without good cause or get fired for misconduct, you could be disqualified.

Exactly. And reopening a claim can take time to process, so you might have a gap in benefits even if you qualify.

45 tries?! That's insane. I can never get through to anyone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it was ridiculous. I ended up using that Claimyr service another commenter mentioned after reading about it online. Much easier than calling repeatedly.

Is that service legit? Seems too good to be true that they can actually get you through to Washington ESD.

Thank you! Great advice about keeping records. I've been taking screenshots but will make sure to get my final ones too.

Smart move. Documentation is key with any government agency, especially Washington ESD.

I didn't know that! I think I have about 15 weeks left on my benefit year.

Yeah, unused weeks don't roll over. But that's a good thing - it means you found work and don't need them!

Better to be working than collecting unemployment anyway. Congrats OP!

You'd need to contact Washington ESD immediately to report the error. They might create an overpayment but if you report it yourself right away, they're usually more understanding.

I did this once and had to pay back one week of benefits. Not the end of the world but definitely annoying.

This is exactly what happened to me. Took forever to get through to explain it was an honest mistake. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really helped with getting connected to someone who could fix it.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about when to stop filing now.

Good luck with the new job OP! Hope it works out well for you.