


Ask the community...
One thing I learned the hard way - if you moved states during 2023 while receiving unemployment, make sure you understand which state's taxes apply. Can get complicated fast.
Bottom line for everyone - unemployment compensation is ordinary income for federal tax purposes in 2023. No special treatment like there was in 2020. Plan accordingly and consider having taxes withheld if you're still receiving benefits.
Make sure to file online through the Washington ESD website as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Even if there's adjudication, you'll get backpay from your filing date if approved.
Good luck with your claim! Remember that getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - it all depends on the specific circumstances. Based on what you've described, you have a good chance of being approved.
Bottom line - plan for 26 weeks maximum but hope you find work sooner. Use the time to really improve your skills and network, not just send out applications randomly.
One last thing - keep all your documentation about job searches, interviews, etc. Washington ESD can audit your claim at any time and you need to prove you were actively looking for work during every week you claimed benefits.
One more tip - if you ever have payment issues, calling first thing Monday morning around 8am gives you the best chance of getting through to Washington ESD. That's when they have the most agents available.
Or use that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Way less frustrating than trying to time your calls perfectly.
Hope this thread helped clear up the confusion! Washington ESD definitely pays weekly, not biweekly. Just stay consistent with your weekly claim filing and you should see regular deposits.
Isaac Wright
Final advice: File immediately, be completely honest, document everything about your transportation situation, and don't get discouraged if you're initially denied. The appeal process exists for exactly these kinds of situations where the circumstances are complex.
0 coins
Evelyn Martinez
•Thank you so much for all the detailed advice. I'm feeling much more confident about filing now.
0 coins
Aiden Chen
•This has been a really informative thread. Good luck with your claim!
0 coins
Zoey Bianchi
Just to close this out - getting fired for tardiness due to public transportation issues is definitely not an automatic disqualification. You have a legitimate shot at benefits, especially if you can document the transportation problems were beyond your control.
0 coins
Evelyn Martinez
•I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help. Going to file my claim this afternoon and gather all my documentation about the bus issues.
0 coins
Christopher Morgan
•Keep us posted on how it goes! These threads help other people in similar situations.
0 coins