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Just remember that even if you earn enough to get zero unemployment payment for a week, you still need to file your weekly claim to keep your claim active.
The bottom line is: report everything, keep good records, and when in doubt, ask Washington ESD directly. Better to be overly cautious than deal with overpayment issues later.
This whole thread makes me grateful I had a solid emergency fund when I got laid off. 6 months expenses minimum should be everyone's goal. Hard lesson to learn when you're already unemployed though.
Final thought - create a budget specifically for unemployment period. Track every expense and see where you can cut temporarily. Things like streaming services, gym memberships, eating out - small cuts add up and can extend how long your savings last.
Last thing - don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to be actively looking for work and keeping track of your job search activities. Washington ESD can ask to see your records at any time.
Last thing - don't let anyone pressure you into turning down suitable work while you're collecting benefits. Washington ESD has specific rules about what constitutes suitable work and it's not just any random job.
You got this! The initial application is the hardest part. Once you get into the routine of weekly claims and job searching, it becomes much more manageable. Don't stress too much about making small mistakes - the system is pretty forgiving as long as you're honest and trying to follow the rules.
Natasha Kuznetsova
The benefit year is also something to keep in mind - once you file a claim, that establishes your benefit year and you can't file a new claim until that year expires, even if your situation changes.
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Jamal Harris
•So if I find a job and then lose it again within that year, I can't file a new claim?
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Mei Chen
•You can reopen your existing claim if you have benefit weeks remaining, but you can't establish a new claim with potentially higher benefits until the benefit year expires.
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AstroAdventurer
Bottom line - with your salary level you should qualify for close to the maximum benefit amount. Just make sure you file as soon as you become unemployed since there's no retroactive benefits for weeks you don't claim.
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Jamal Harris
•Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I feel much more prepared now if I need to file a claim.
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AstroAdventurer
•Good luck! Hopefully you won't need it but it's good to be informed.
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