


Ask the community...
I used claimyr last month to get through to ESD about a different issue and it was honestly a lifesaver. Even though you probably won't qualify for benefits, it might be worth using their service to talk to an agent about what options exist for people in your situation. They might know about programs or resources that aren't widely publicized.
Bottom line - focus your energy on job applications rather than trying to get unemployment benefits you're not eligible for. Use every resource available: job centers, online applications, networking, temp agencies. Once you get that first job, even if it's temporary, you'll start building the work history you need.
And remember that even if there are delays, you'll get backpay for all the weeks you were eligible, so you won't lose money just because of processing delays.
Last suggestion - if you run into any roadblocks or your claim gets stuck, don't waste weeks trying to call Washington ESD directly. Services like Claimyr exist for a reason and can save you a lot of time and stress.
Question about quarterly payments - since Washington ESD didn't withhold taxes from my unemployment, should I be making estimated tax payments for next year if I'm still unemployed?
Just finished my taxes and unemployment definitely goes on line 7. Ended up owing $1,800 but at least now I know for next time. Setting up tax withholding first thing Monday morning!
One thing people don't realize is that if you quit your job, you probably won't qualify for unemployment benefits at all. Washington ESD requires you to be laid off or fired for reasons not related to misconduct. So the benefit amount doesn't matter if you can't get approved in the first place.
The whole system is so complicated. I've been trying to figure out my benefits for weeks and every website gives different information. Wish Washington ESD would just have a simple calculator that actually works.
Finley Garrett
The Washington ESD phone system has been broken for years. It's not just you - thousands of people are dealing with the same impossible calling situation every day.
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Josef Tearle
•At least I know I'm not alone in this struggle. The system definitely needs to be fixed.
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Salim Nasir
Just to wrap up with some final advice - keep documenting your call attempts in case you need to appeal any issues later. And definitely try that Claimyr service if you're getting nowhere with manual calling. The phone situation probably won't improve anytime soon unfortunately.
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Josef Tearle
•Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and support. Going to try Claimyr and the other tips. Hopefully I'll get through soon!
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Laila Fury
•Good luck! Hope you get your adjudication resolved quickly once you connect with an agent.
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