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I remember when I first applied I was checking my account every single day multiple times LOL. The anxiety is real when you're waiting for that first payment.
Final tip - make sure you have all your job search activities documented from week one. Even though you're waiting for your first payment, Washington ESD still expects you to be looking for work and keeping records. Don't let that slide while you're waiting.
One more thing - if you do end up owing money after the appeal, make sure you understand whether it's fraud or non-fraud overpayment. Non-fraud doesn't have the same penalties and collection methods.
Will do! Thanks everyone for all the advice. Feeling much better about this now that I know what steps to take.
Definitely try that Claimyr service if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD quickly. Made all the difference for me when I was dealing with my overpayment issue.
Final reminder for everyone - even if your unemployment benefits are excluded from federal taxes, they still count as income for purposes of other tax credits and deductions. So they might affect your Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.
Hope this helps everyone get their 2021 taxes sorted out. The unemployment tax situation that year was confusing for everyone, including tax professionals. Don't feel bad about being confused - just make sure you file correctly now that you have the right information.
Chloe Martin
I think the key thing to remember is that Washington ESD is required by law to make a determination within a certain timeframe, but that timeframe is longer than most people expect. The waiting is normal, even if it's stressful.
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Yara Assad
•Do you know what the legal timeframe requirement is? Would be good to know if there's an actual deadline they have to meet.
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Chloe Martin
•I believe it's 21 days for non-monetary determinations, but don't quote me on that. It might be worth looking up the specific statute if you're concerned.
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Diego Fernández
Final thought from someone who's been through this process twice - the waiting period feels eternal when you're in it, but most claims do get approved eventually. Try to stay busy with job searching and other productive activities instead of constantly refreshing the website. It'll happen when it happens.
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Yara Assad
•Thanks for the perspective. You're right that constantly checking probably isn't helping my stress levels. I'll try to be more patient.
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Hiroshi Nakamura
•Great advice. The constant checking definitely makes the waiting feel longer. Better to check once a day and focus on other things.
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