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I'd like to add some clarification about working while on unemployment: 1) You must report all hours and earnings, even for one day of work 2) The formula is: Weekly benefit - (gross earnings × 0.75) = adjusted benefit 3) You must still be available for full-time work to qualify for benefits 4) Substitute teaching hours are compatible with UI as long as you remain available for full-time permanent work 5) If working as a substitute, make sure you're reporting your hours correctly - count prep time if required A common mistake is not reporting small amounts of work, which can lead to overpayment notices later. Always report everything, even if it's just a few hours.
What about applying for TANF or other assistance programs once unemployment runs out?? Has anyone done that? Does one automatically qualify if UI benefits are exhausted??
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is primarily designed for families with children, and eligibility is based on income, resources, and other factors - not simply UI exhaustion. If your UI is running out, I recommend: 1) Contact WorkSource about job search assistance and possible training programs 2) Apply for Basic Food benefits (SNAP/food stamps) 3) Check if you qualify for HEN (Housing & Essential Needs) if you have a temporary disability 4) Apply for healthcare through Washington Apple Health Each program has different eligibility requirements, and none automatically qualify you just because UI ended.
Always continue filing your weekly claims, even while appeals are pending! This is the #1 mistake people make. If you win your appeal but haven't been filing, you can't go back and claim those weeks later. Also, check your determination letters carefully. They should specify exactly which weeks were affected by which issue. If the disqualification letter only mentions the travel week, you have an even stronger case for getting the other weeks reconsidered.
Just checked my letters, and you're right! The disqualification letter specifically mentions only the week of March 12-18, 2025 as being affected by the travel issue. The approval letter for the separation issue covers my entire claim period. This seems like clear evidence that the other weeks should be paid!
Based on everything you've shared, you're absolutely entitled to backpay for 6 of those 7 weeks. This is a fairly common ESD system error that requires manual intervention to fix. Your determination letters are the smoking gun here - save those carefully! I would suggest two parallel approaches: 1. File the appeal as others have suggested (you have 30 days from determination date) 2. Try persistently to reach an agent who can fix this more quickly than waiting for an appeal The appeal is your safety net, but getting through to ESD directly could resolve this faster. Good luck and please update us on what happens!
Just wanted to mention - make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is pending! I made this mistake and it caused even more delays. If your initial claim eventually gets approved, you'll only get backpay for weeks you properly claimed.
Any update on your situation? Did you try contacting your rep or using that Claimyr service that was mentioned? I'm curious which approach worked for you as I might be in the same boat soon (my company just announced layoffs).
I tried the Claimyr service first and it actually worked! Got connected to an agent who found that there was an identity verification issue that was never properly flagged in the system. They fixed it on the spot and my claim was processed 3 days later. Such a relief! Sorry about your potential layoff - hope everything works out.
I just want to say the entire ESD system is GARBAGE! Every single time they do an "upgrade" something breaks. This happened to me twice last year - once I missed my filing deadline because of THEIR technical issues and then they had the nerve to delay my payment and make me fill out extra paperwork explaining why I filed late! This state agency needs a complete overhaul, it's absolutely ridiculous how poorly it functions in 2025. We deserve better!
While I understand your frustration, it's worth noting that ESD did implement a policy that technical issues on their end are considered good cause for late filing. If you document the issue (screenshots help) and explain it when you're able to file, they typically waive any penalties. Still frustrating though!
UPDATE: I finally got in! For anyone else having this issue, what worked for me was clearing ALL browsing data (like everything - history, cookies, cached images, etc.), restarting my computer, and then waiting about 45 minutes before trying again. Also used a direct link from the ESD website rather than a bookmark. Thanks everyone for your help!
Good to hear! This particular issue tends to resolve itself within 24 hours typically, but your solution of clearing everything and waiting usually speeds up the process. For anyone else reading this later - if you're experiencing a similar issue, try the steps mentioned and remember to document the problem (screenshots, notes with times/dates) in case you need to explain a late filing.
Marilyn Dixon
Back in 2020 during COVID I never got my 1099-G and filed without it. BIG MISTAKE. IRS came after me 6 months later saying I underreported income. Had to pay penalties on top of the taxes I owed. Don't mess around with this form!
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Sadie Benitez
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I was able to find the 1099-G form right where you all said - in the main menu of eServices under "1099-G Tax Forms." I feel silly for missing it before. For anyone else looking, you can also request a copy by phone if needed. This community is amazing!
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