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The whole tax situation with unemployment benefits is designed to catch people off guard. They should automatically withhold taxes unless you specifically opt out, not the other way around.
If anyone is really struggling with the tax bill from unemployment benefits, look into the IRS Fresh Start program. They have options for people who can't pay their full tax liability right away.
One thing to remember is that once you file, you'll need to do your weekly claims every week, usually on Sunday. Set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget. Missing a weekly claim can interrupt your benefits.
Alright, I think everyone's covered the basics pretty well. File today, don't worry about the few days delay, and you'll be fine. The system is designed to help people in your exact situation. Good luck with your claim!
been filing claims for over a year now and honestly the timing matters less than having everything ready to go. know your employer info, have your work search activities documented if required, and don't rush through the questions. better to take your time and get it right than file quickly and have issues later
Update for anyone still reading - I tried Claimyr yesterday and it actually worked. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent in about 15 minutes when I had been trying to call for days on my own. The agent was able to help me with a filing issue that I couldn't resolve online. Worth checking out if you're stuck.
My experience was that being honest and thorough in your initial application really matters. I included details about my medical issues that contributed to my attendance problems, and I think that helped the adjudicator understand the full situation. Don't just put bare minimum information.
Final advice from someone who's been through this twice - stay calm and don't assume the worst. The system is designed to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Even if you were technically 'fired,' if it wasn't for serious misconduct, you have a good chance of getting benefits. Just be patient with the process.
Kingston Bellamy
Military discharge status can affect eligibility too. Dishonorable discharge might disqualify you from UI benefits, but most other discharge types are fine.
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Marina Hendrix
•I'm not military but that's good information for veterans to know.
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Joy Olmedo
Bottom line - Washington ESD has a lot of potential disqualification reasons, but most people who lose their job through no fault of their own will qualify. The key is being honest about your situation and following all the requirements.
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Isaiah Cross
•Good luck! Remember to document everything about your hostile work environment situation. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of avoiding a disqualification.
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Butch Sledgehammer
•And if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific case, definitely consider using Claimyr. It's so much easier than trying to get through the regular phone lines.
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