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Remember that once you're approved, you'll need to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. This is usually done online and you'll need to report any work you did that week and wages earned, even if it's just a few hours.
No, you can work part-time and still receive partial benefits. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earned, but you won't lose everything.
Based on everything you've described, you should definitely qualify for unemployment benefits. Store closure, 8 months of work, $12,000 in wages - that all checks the boxes for Washington ESD eligibility. Don't overthink it, just apply!
The hardest part psychologically is watching that balance get lower each week. I started calculating exactly what week I'd hit zero and it made me really anxious. Try not to obsess over the numbers too much.
Final reminder for everyone - make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your job search activities. If Washington ESD does audit your claim near the end, you want to have everything documented properly.
Bottom line: unemployment from Washington ESD is taxable income that goes on your 1040, but it's not considered earned income for things like EITC or Social Security. Make sure you have your 1099-G form and report it correctly.
Also remember that Washington state doesn't have a state income tax, so you only need to worry about federal taxes on your unemployment benefits. That's one less thing to deal with.
If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD with questions, I've heard good things about Claimyr. My sister used them when she had issues with her partial unemployment calculations and they got her connected to an agent who walked her through everything.
Several people have mentioned Claimyr now. Sounds like it might be worth trying if I run into problems.
The partial unemployment program is actually one of the better parts of the Washington ESD system. It encourages work instead of discouraging it. Just be honest about your earnings and you should be fine.
Carmella Popescu
Whatever you do, don't wait around hoping this gets fixed automatically. Washington ESD doesn't proactively correct mistakes - you have to take action through the appeal process.
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Gemma Andrews
•Got it. I'm going to file the appeal today and try calling one more time with that Claimyr service people mentioned.
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Kai Santiago
•Smart plan. Having both the appeal filed and speaking to someone directly gives you the best chance of quick resolution.
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Lim Wong
been following this thread because i'm dealing with washington esd issues too. sounds like you have a strong case with that termination letter
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Gemma Andrews
•Thanks! Hoping it gets resolved quickly. This whole process is more stressful than losing my job was.
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Dananyl Lear
•Hang in there. Most people win appeals when they have clear documentation like you do.
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