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One thing to keep in mind is that you have to keep certifying every week and meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits. It's not just free money - you have to show you're actively looking for work.
Remember that your weekly claim certification is basically you swearing under penalty of perjury that all your answers are true. Take it seriously and answer honestly. The consequences for unemployment fraud can be severe including having to pay back benefits plus penalties.
Good luck with your claim! The process seems overwhelming at first but once you get into the routine of filing weekly it becomes second nature. Just stay on top of the job search requirements and keep good records of everything.
One more thing - if you move to a different state while collecting Washington unemployment, you might owe state income tax in your new state even though Washington doesn't have one. Just something to consider.
Just to close this out - I successfully changed my tax withholding election online through the Washington ESD website. Took about 5 minutes once I logged into SecureAccess Washington. The change will take effect with my next payment.
Just to summarize for anyone else reading this: Unemployment = for people who lost their job and are looking for work. Paid Family Leave = for people who need time off but plan to return to their job. Two totally different programs through Washington ESD.
Liam Cortez
Just wanted to say this thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was dreading the whole process but now I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
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Jessica Suarez
•Same here! Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain everything. Makes the whole thing seem less scary.
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Savannah Vin
Good luck OP! The process can be frustrating but stick with it. Having that safety net while you job hunt makes a huge difference in reducing stress and giving you time to find the right opportunity instead of just taking the first thing that comes along.
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Jessica Suarez
•That's exactly what I'm hoping for - just enough breathing room to find something good instead of panicking. Thanks for the encouragement!
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