Just to add one more practical tip - when you're calculating your quarterly UI tax payments, make sure you're using the correct tax rate for your business. New employers start with a standard rate, but after you've been in business for a while, your rate can change based on your experience rating (how many former employees have filed claims). I learned this the hard way when my rate went up after a couple seasonal workers filed for unemployment during the off-season. It's all part of the system, but it's good to understand so you can budget accordingly.

One thing that really helped me when I was getting confused about UI tax was setting up a simple spreadsheet to track each employee's wages throughout the year. I have columns for regular wages, overtime, bonuses, and a running total so I can see when someone is getting close to that $68,500 wage base limit. It makes the quarterly reporting so much easier, and I don't have to scramble to figure out what wages are taxable when it's time to file. For landscaping especially, where you might have irregular hours and seasonal bonuses, having that visibility into where each employee stands wage-wise has been a lifesaver.

I'm actually in a very similar situation - permanent resident for about 3 years and just got laid off from my marketing job last week. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. It sounds like the consensus is clear: green card holders are fully eligible and the process is the same as for citizens. I appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and experiences, especially those who've been through it multiple times. Going to start my application tomorrow morning. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this thread should definitely help other permanent residents who might be hesitant about applying!

I'm a green card holder who just got laid off from my restaurant management job and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was worried that there might be different requirements or additional documentation needed for permanent residents, but it's clear from everyone's experiences that we're treated exactly the same as citizens. The fact that multiple people have gone through this process successfully without any immigration-related complications is really reassuring. I especially appreciate the practical tips about having employment history ready and not overthinking the work authorization questions. Going to submit my application this weekend. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it makes such a difference to hear from people who've actually been through this!

This has been one of the most helpful threads I've read about unemployment benefits. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

I'm in a similar situation - 62 and getting early Social Security while job hunting after a layoff. One thing I've learned is to keep detailed records of all your Social Security correspondence because Washington ESD may ask for verification documents at any time during your claim period. Also, don't be discouraged if your UI benefit amount seems lower than expected due to the pension offset - every bit helps with expenses while you're looking for work. The combination of both benefits has been a real lifeline for me during this transition period.

Also worth mentioning - if you run into issues with your seasonal claim, Claimyr (claimyr.com) has been super helpful for getting through to Washington ESD. They have a demo video that shows how it works. Sometimes it's worth paying for the service rather than spending days trying to get through yourself.

This thread is incredibly helpful! I work at a Christmas tree farm and never realized I could file for unemployment during the off-season. I always thought you had to be permanently laid off. Going to start my application this week - sounds like seasonal workers have just as much right to benefits as anyone else who gets laid off through no fault of their own.

One more thing to consider - if your new job has a probationary period, you might want to keep your unemployment documentation organized and easily accessible. While your claim stays open for a year, having all your records readily available can make things smoother if you need to restart filing for any reason. Also, some employers have waiting periods for benefits to kick in, so knowing you have that safety net can give you peace of mind during your first few months. Sounds like you're being really thorough about this whole process - that attention to detail will probably serve you well in your new role too!

Another thing worth mentioning - if you're switching from unemployment to a new job, make sure you understand your new employer's pay schedule. Some companies pay weekly, others bi-weekly or monthly, and the timing can affect your cash flow during the transition. If there's going to be a gap between your last unemployment payment and your first paycheck, plan accordingly. Also, don't forget to update your address and contact information with Washington ESD if anything changes with your new job situation - they may need to reach you even after you stop filing claims. The transition period can feel a bit uncertain, but it sounds like you're handling everything really thoughtfully!