When to stop unemployment benefits - Washington ESD timing questions

You stop filing the week you start working, not before. If you accept a job offer but haven't started yet, you can continue filing weekly claims as long as you're still unemployed and available for work. Just make sure to report any earnings accurately on your weekly claim.

i made this mistake last year and kept filing for an extra week after starting work. washington esd sent me an overpayment notice for like $800. definitely stop as soon as you start working even if its just part time

The key thing to remember is that you must report ALL work and earnings during your weekly certification, even if it's just one day. Washington ESD has very specific rules about when benefits should stop. If you're working full-time (typically 32+ hours per week), you're no longer eligible for UI benefits. Part-time work may reduce your weekly benefit amount but not eliminate it entirely.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this directly, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me actually reach a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to clarify your specific situation with an agent.

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE YOU!! They want you to make mistakes so they can collect overpayments. I swear Washington ESD makes these rules deliberately complicated.

Just went through this exact situation last month! I accepted a job offer on a Thursday but didn't start until the following Monday. I kept filing my weekly claims until my start date and everything was fine. The key is being totally honest about your job search activities and availability.

wait so if i work one day can i still get benefits for the rest of the week? this is confusing

Another important point - make sure you understand the difference between accepting a job and actually starting work. You remain unemployed and eligible for benefits during any gap period, as long as you're still available and actively seeking work per Washington ESD requirements.

This happened to my brother too. He was so worried about timing that he stopped claiming a week early and lost out on benefits he was entitled to. Better to claim right up until you start working than to stop too early.

also make sure to keep doing your job search requirements until you actually start working. i almost got dinged for not logging enough job contacts during my last week of benefits

I used Claimyr when I needed to clarify this exact question with Washington ESD. Got through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending all day redialing. Definitely recommend it if you want to confirm your specific situation.

For anyone reading this thread later - the Washington ESD website has a detailed handbook that covers work and earnings reporting. The general rule is that you're required to report any work performed and wages earned during the week you're claiming, regardless of when you're actually paid.

Just want to add that if you're starting a temporary or seasonal job, the rules might be different. I started a 3-month contract position and was able to resume benefits when it ended without having to reapply.

ugh this whole system is so stressful. why cant they just make it simple - if youre working you stop claiming if youre not working you keep claiming

Pro tip: take screenshots of your weekly claim confirmations, especially your last one before starting work. If there's ever any question about when you stopped claiming, you'll have documentation.

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I was skeptical at first but it really did help me get through to Washington ESD when I needed to resolve a similar timing question about my benefits. Worth checking out their demo video if you're having phone troubles.

Does anyone know if there's a grace period if you accidentally file one week too many? Like if you realize your mistake right away?

This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was totally confused about the timing. Sounds like the key is just being honest and reporting everything accurately.

One more thing to consider - if you're getting any kind of severance pay or vacation payout from your previous job, that might affect your benefits even after you start your new job. Make sure to report any delayed payments from your former employer.