When does an employer not have to pay unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! How do I know if I'm properly classified as an independent contractor vs employee? I feel like my boss might be misclassifying me.

Washington ESD has specific tests for this - it's about control, financial relationship, and type of relationship. If your employer controls when, where, and how you work, provides equipment, and you do work that's integral to their business, you're probably an employee.

Wait, there's voluntary coverage for contractors? How does that work?

Yeah, independent contractors can elect coverage through Washington ESD if they want to pay into the system themselves. But most people don't know about it.

Interesting, I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about this. How does Claimyr actually work?

They basically help you navigate the phone system and get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. Way easier than spending hours on hold only to get disconnected.

This is so confusing! I worked for a company that said I was a contractor but treated me like an employee. When I filed for unemployment, Washington ESD is investigating the whole thing.

That's exactly the kind of case where ESD will do a classification review. They'll look at the actual working relationship, not just what the employer called you.

You're close - it's actually if they pay wages of $1,000 or more in any calendar quarter, or if they have one or more employees for 20 weeks during the year, whether consecutive or not.

Thanks for the correction! The rules are pretty specific.

What's a base period? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Washington ESD looks at your wages during that time to determine eligibility and benefit amount.

I'm skeptical of services like this. Can't you just call Washington ESD directly?

Sure, you can try calling directly, but good luck getting through. I tried for three weeks before using Claimyr. Sometimes paying for a solution is worth your sanity.

I work in sales on commission - does that mean my employer doesn't pay unemployment for me?

Not necessarily. It depends on how the commission structure works and whether you're classified as an employee or independent contractor. You should check with Washington ESD directly.

I understand the frustration, but there are legitimate reasons for different classifications. The key is making sure employers aren't misclassifying people to avoid paying taxes.

Yeah but how are regular workers supposed to know all these rules? It should be the employer's responsibility to get it right, not ours to figure out if we're being cheated.

That's actually really helpful to know. I had three different jobs last year with different employment arrangements.

Exactly! As long as you have enough qualifying wages from covered employment during your base period, you could still be eligible even if your last job wasn't covered.

How do you request that determination? Through the regular Washington ESD website?

You can file a request online or by phone. There's a specific form for employment classification determinations. Just be prepared - it can take a while to process.

Two months is a long time! Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to someone who can give you an update? Sometimes these investigations stall and you need to follow up directly with an agent.

I haven't heard of Claimyr before. Is it legitimate? I'm desperate at this point.

Yes, it's legit. They just help you navigate the phone system to reach actual ESD staff. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ to see how it works.

What's the threshold for domestic workers?

I believe it's $1,000 per quarter, same as other small employers, but domestic worker rules can be different. You'd need to check with Washington ESD for the current requirements.

Yeah, I drive for rideshare and was told I can't get unemployment because I'm a contractor. But I've heard other drivers in some states can get benefits now.

It's definitely state-specific. Washington has been pretty strict about the contractor classification for gig workers, but things are evolving.

Wait, really? I worked at my college bookstore and thought that was regular employment.

There are specific rules about student employment. Generally, if you're enrolled at least half-time and working for the same institution, those wages aren't subject to unemployment taxes.

That's great advice. I wish I had kept better records when I was unsure about my status.

It's never too late to start! Even if you're no longer at that job, try to reconstruct what you can remember. Email trails, schedules, anything that shows the nature of the work relationship.

Good point. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised and find out you are eligible.

Exactly. I've seen people miss out on benefits they were entitled to because they assumed they weren't covered. Always worth applying.

Agreed! I feel much more informed now about when employers do and don't have to pay into the unemployment system.

And remember, if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, Claimyr can help you get through. Much better than waiting on hold for hours!

Good point about things changing. Always best to get current info directly from Washington ESD or a knowledgeable agent.

Absolutely. The Washington ESD website has the most up-to-date information, but sometimes talking to a real person is the only way to get clarity on complex situations.