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Just remember that even if you're not eligible for unemployment benefits, you still need to look for work and be ready to accept suitable employment. The job search requirements apply to everyone trying to get back into the workforce.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel like I have a much better understanding of the eligibility rules now. I'll share this with my cousin and see what she wants to do. The contractor vs employee thing seems like the key issue to figure out.
The work search requirement trips up a lot of people. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. Even if you're on temporary layoff, you still need to search unless you have a specific return date within 4 weeks.
Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your tax return.
One last thing - keep copies of everything. Save confirmation numbers, print important pages, and document all your job search activities. If there's ever a problem, you'll need that documentation.
Washington ESD also has workshops and job search resources available. Worth checking out even if you're not required to use them yet.
Mateo Gonzalez
This whole thread has been really helpful. I'm bookmarking it in case I ever need to reference this info. Hope nobody here actually needs to use unemployment anytime soon!
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Amina Diallo
•Same here! Better to be prepared than caught off guard.
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Nia Williams
•agreed, knowledge is power especially with government benefits
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Luca Ricci
Just to add one more thing - make sure your employer isn't contesting your claim if you do file. That can really slow down the process and complicate things.
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Luca Ricci
•Washington ESD will usually notify you if there's a dispute about your eligibility. That's often what triggers the adjudication process that some people mentioned earlier.
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GamerGirl99
•Right, and if your employer does contest, you'll likely need to provide documentation about your job separation and possibly attend a hearing.
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