One more thing that might help - if you're worried about the complexity of the whole process, Washington ESD actually has a pretty good tutorial video on their website that walks through filing your initial claim step by step. I found it really helpful when I was starting out. Also, don't panic if you make a small mistake on your application - you can usually correct minor errors later, and the system will often catch obvious typos and ask you to verify information. The most important thing is just getting that initial claim filed so your benefit year can start. You've got this!

As someone who just went through this process recently, I want to emphasize something that really helped me: don't overthink the initial application! I spent way too much time second-guessing myself on every question when the reality is that the system is designed to walk you through it step by step. The most important thing is accuracy, not perfection. Also, once you submit your initial claim, you'll get a confirmation number - write that down immediately! You'll need it for reference if you ever have to call or if there are any issues. And be patient with yourself during the waiting period - it's normal to feel anxious while waiting for approval, but remember that thousands of people go through this process successfully every week in Washington state.

I went through a Washington ESD fraud investigation last year and wanted to share some practical tips. First, respond to everything promptly - they give you deadlines for a reason. Second, if you had any legitimate confusion about the rules, gather evidence of that (like emails you sent asking for clarification, or screenshots of confusing website language). Third, calculate your own estimate of any overpayment so you're not surprised by their numbers. The investigation process is slow but they're generally fair if you're upfront about mistakes. In my case, what looked like potential fraud ended up being reclassified as an overpayment because I could document my confusion about the work reporting requirements.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that Washington ESD sometimes offers "compromise settlements" for first-time cases where you can pay a reduced amount to close the investigation. I went through this process two years ago and they offered to settle my $4,200 overpayment for $2,800 if I paid it in full within 30 days. It saved me money in the long run and got the whole thing behind me quickly. Not everyone qualifies but it's worth asking about if you're dealing with a significant amount and can come up with a lump sum payment. The key is having a clean record with no prior fraud issues and showing genuine remorse for the mistakes.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you worked in multiple states during your base year, you might need to file an interstate claim. Washington will coordinate with other states to get your wage information, but it can add some processing time. Also, if you had any military service or federal employment during your base year, those wages are handled differently and you'll need to provide your DD-214 or SF-8 forms. The key is to be thorough when listing all your employers during the application process so they don't miss anything.

Just wanted to add that if you're self-employed or had 1099 income during your base year, those earnings typically won't count toward your unemployment benefits unless you specifically opted into the state's unemployment insurance program as an independent contractor. This catches a lot of people off guard - they see good earnings on their tax returns but then wonder why ESD says they don't qualify or have a very low benefit amount. Regular W-2 wages from employers who pay into the unemployment system are what really matter for the calculation.

Update us on how it goes! There are probably other people in similar situations who could benefit from hearing about your experience with the process.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if you qualify for any expedited processing. Washington ESD sometimes prioritizes claims for people who are facing financial hardship or homelessness. Given that you're recently released and struggling with basic necessities, you might be able to get your claim processed faster than the typical 3-week timeframe. When you file online, look for any options about urgent need or expedited review. It's worth asking about even if it just gets you an answer sooner rather than waiting weeks wondering about your status.

To answer your LinkedIn question - updating your LinkedIn profile counts as ONE activity for your ENTIRE claim period (not weekly). Same goes for creating/updating resumes or registering on job search websites. For your job search log, include: - Date of activity - Employer name/organization - Address or website - Person contacted (if applicable) - Method of contact - Type of work sought - Results/outcome Keep this log for at least 30 days after your benefit year ends - they can audit you even after you're no longer claiming benefits!

One thing I learned the hard way - if you're working part-time while on UI, make sure you understand how your earnings affect your weekly benefit amount. Washington has a partial benefit formula where they deduct 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit amount (after allowing the first 25% as a "disregard"). So if your weekly benefit amount is $400 and you earn $100 gross that week, they'll reduce your benefit by $75 (75% of $100), leaving you with $325 in UI benefits plus your $100 in wages. Just wanted to mention this since you said you're only working 3-6 hours - depending on your hourly rate, you might still be getting most of your UI benefits. Also, keep track of your total benefit year balance! Working part-time while collecting means you're using up your benefits more slowly, which can be good for stretching them out over a longer period.