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For what it's worth, I work in career services and have helped many clients navigate UI while taking classes. The one-hour class shouldn't be a problem, but I strongly recommend reporting it accurately. If your class is job-related training, you might also want to record it as one of your job search activities in your job search log. This creates a record showing that the class is actually helping, not hindering, your employment prospects. Remember that the underlying principle is always whether you remain able and available for full-time suitable work. As long as that's true, and you're honest about your activities, you should be fine.
That's a great idea about counting it as a job search activity! The class is definitely related to skills needed in my field. Would I just list it as "Education" type activity in my job search log?
Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to make sure I report the class on my weekly claim and explain that it's just one hour per week and doesn't affect my availability for work. I'll also add it to my job search log since it's directly related to skills in my field. Really appreciate all the advice and experiences shared here!
just wondering did anyone elses back unemployment payments get taxed at a weird rate? when i got mine last year it seemed like they withheld way more than 10% for taxes, more like 25% or something?? confused about that too
ESD often withholds at a flat 10% for federal taxes if you selected that option, but when they process back payments, sometimes they calculate it differently. You should be able to see the exact withholding amount on your 1099G. Remember that whatever was withheld is just an estimate - your actual tax obligation is calculated when you file your return, and you'll either get a refund or owe more depending on your total income, deductions, etc.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Based on what I'm hearing, it sounds like I need to include this on my 2026 taxes rather than trying to amend 2025. I think I'll consult with a tax professional just to be safe, especially regarding potential impacts on credits and deductions. This unemployment appeal process has been so much more complicated than I expected!
ya this happened 2 me 2 months ago & i reopened my claim just fine. got paid the next week no problems. just make sure he does his weekly claim this sunday
Update: We got through to ESD (after many busy signals) and they confirmed he did the right thing by reopening! They said his first payment should come about 7-10 days after filing his first weekly claim if there are no issues. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll update again if we run into problems.
i had this exact thing happen in january and let me tell u what worked for me, go to ur local worksource office in PERSON and ask for a training specialist. dont mess with the regular ESD phone line theres a special department for training cases and the worksource peeps can connect u direct. got mine fixed in like 3 days after spending weeks trying to do it online.
one more thing to check - make sure ur husband is answering the able and available question right on his weekly claims. for training benefit people u have to say YES even tho ur in school full time. my friend got denied because she was answering no since she couldnt work while in school. its super confusing!!
Tony Brooks
That's a great idea! I didn't know you could file a complaint about the delays. Do you know if he sent it through eServices or was it a separate process?
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Douglas Foster
He sent an actual letter through certified mail to the OAH office in Olympia, and also faxed a copy. Made it very formal and specifically mentioned financial hardship with documentation (eviction notice). The regular appeals process people won't tell you about this option, but it exists!
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