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You mentioned retail work - make sure you report any commission or tips you received in addition to your base wages. They need the full picture of your earnings to calculate your benefit amount correctly.
good luck with everything! the unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there to help when you need it. just be patient with the process and keep detailed records of everything
washington esd really needs to fix their phone system. it's 2025 and you still can't reliably reach someone during business hours. at least the online filing works most of the time
Remember that Washington State unemployment benefits are taxable income. You might want to elect to have taxes withheld from your payments to avoid a surprise tax bill next year.
Just wanted to add - if you're working part-time in a different field than your usual work, make sure you're still applying for jobs in your regular field too. Washington ESD wants to see you're seeking work similar to your previous employment.
Final thought - don't let fear stop you from working. The partial benefit system is designed to encourage people to take work when they can find it. As long as you're honest about your earnings and hours, you're doing everything right.
Logan Stewart
Final update: I successfully submitted my application! It took about 40 minutes total. The website was pretty straightforward once I had all my documents ready. Thanks everyone for the help and guidance!
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Julia Hall
•awesome! you should get your determination letter soon. fingers crossed for a smooth process
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Arjun Patel
•Great job! Keep all your documentation organized and don't hesitate to ask questions if you run into any issues during the process.
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Zoe Kyriakidou
One last tip - keep copies of everything you submit and save confirmation numbers. If there are ever any issues with your claim, having documentation helps resolve things faster.
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Freya Thomsen
•Great advice! I'll make sure to screenshot everything.
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Jamal Brown
•Also keep track of any correspondence from Washington ESD in your online account. They send important notices there that you need to respond to within specific timeframes.
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