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Don't forget about the tax implications - unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay at the end of the year, but don't get surprised come tax time. I owed $800 in taxes on my unemployment benefits last year because I didn't have anything withheld.
Update us when you get your determination letter! I'm curious to see if the estimates in this thread are accurate. Good luck with everything.
The automated system is pretty useless too. Half the time it just tells you to go online, but online doesn't help when you need to actually talk to someone about a specific problem.
Just to summarize for anyone still reading - the main Washington ESD number is 833-572-8400. Expect long waits or busy signals. Alternative approaches include calling at off-peak times, trying the employer services line first, or using a service like Claimyr to handle the calling for you.
Bottom line for your brother: file for unemployment benefits immediately, expect the job search to take 2-3 months during winter, but know that opportunities will increase significantly starting in March. Use this time to network, update skills, and prepare for when hiring picks up.
And remember, if he runs into issues with his unemployment claim during this busy period, don't just keep calling the regular ESD number endlessly. Tools like Claimyr exist specifically to help during high-volume times when getting through normally becomes nearly impossible.
My advice would be to really think hard about whether quitting is worth it. Even if you technically qualify based on work history, proving good cause for quitting is really difficult. Washington ESD will scrutinize every detail.
If you do end up needing to contact Washington ESD for any reason, definitely consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I spent literally days trying to get through on the phone before finding out about it.
Madison Tipne
The waiting is the worst part. I was disqualified for 3 weeks before I found out it was just a computer glitch that flagged my account incorrectly. Keep pushing for answers.
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Quinn Herbert
•A computer glitch? That's both frustrating and reassuring to know it might not be something I actually did wrong.
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Madison Tipne
•Exactly. Sometimes it's not your fault at all, but you still have to fight to get it fixed.
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Laila Fury
Summary for OP: Get your determination letter first (call or check online messages), understand the specific reason for disqualification, continue filing weekly claims, gather supporting documentation, and be prepared to appeal if you disagree. The 30-day appeal deadline is crucial.
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Quinn Herbert
•Thank you so much everyone. This gives me a clear plan of action. I feel much less panicked now knowing this might be fixable.
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Holly Lascelles
•Good luck! Keep us updated on how it goes.
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