


Ask the community...
Another thing to consider is that you have to actively look for work and report your job search activities. So while you're getting benefits, you're also expected to be trying to find new employment. It's not just free money.
If you're still having trouble reaching Washington ESD directly, I had good luck with Claimyr too. They got me connected to an agent who walked through my entire benefit calculation and explained why my amount was what it was. Really helped me understand the whole process.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info in this thread. I feel much more confident about handling my unemployment benefits on my taxes now. Going to look for that 1099-G in my SAW account right after I post this.
Final update from OP: Found my 1099-G in the correspondence section! Total benefits were $11,200 for the year. Now I need to figure out how much I'm going to owe in taxes. Thanks to everyone who helped point me in the right direction. This forum is a lifesaver for navigating the Washington ESD system.
Keep all your documentation too - your layoff notice, final paystub, any correspondence with your employer. You might need it later if there are any questions about your claim.
Once you get your claim approved, you'll get a debit card in the mail for your payments. It takes about a week to arrive, so don't worry if you don't get it right away after your first payment is processed.
Just wanted to add - if your claim gets approved, make sure you understand the overpayment rules. If you earn too much in a week from freelance work and don't report it properly, you could end up owing money back to Washington ESD.
It varies based on your weekly benefit amount, but generally you can earn up to a certain amount before they start reducing your benefits dollar for dollar. The exact calculation is on the Washington ESD website.
Final tip - keep detailed records of everything. Your job search activities, any freelance income, correspondence with Washington ESD, etc. If there are ever any questions about your claim, having good documentation will save you a lot of headaches.
William Schwarz
The national unemployment rate is published monthly but it's based on surveys, not actual claims data. So it's more of a general economic indicator than something that directly affects your Washington ESD experience.
0 coins
Ruby Garcia
•That makes sense. I was wondering if there was a direct connection but sounds like there isn't really.
0 coins
William Schwarz
•Right, your individual claim processing is based on your specific circumstances, not macro economic trends.
0 coins
Ruby Garcia
UPDATE: I tried Claimyr and finally got through to Washington ESD! Turns out my employer submitted conflicting information about my separation date and that's what was holding up the adjudication. The rep said it should be resolved within a week now that they know what the issue is. Thanks everyone, especially for the calling service recommendation. Six weeks of wondering what was wrong and it was resolved in one phone call.
0 coins
Alexander Evans
•Perfect example of how the individual case matters more than the unemployment rate statistics. Glad you got answers.
0 coins
Lucy Taylor
•See? SIX WEEKS for something that took one phone call to fix. The system is broken.
0 coins