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Update us on how it goes! I'm sure others in similar situations would benefit from hearing about your experience.
One more thing - if you do get approved and your employer contests it later, don't panic. The adjudication process is pretty fair and they really look at the facts. I had my employer contest my claim and Washington ESD still ruled in my favor after reviewing everything.
Update: I'm planning to call Washington ESD Monday morning to discuss this before accepting any disability payments. Thanks everyone for the guidance - this thread has been incredibly helpful in understanding my options and the potential issues.
Just to summarize for anyone else in a similar situation: 1) Report any changes to Washington ESD immediately, 2) Understand that unemployment requires being able and available for work, 3) Disability benefits are for when you cannot work, 4) These may be mutually exclusive depending on your specific medical restrictions, 5) Get official guidance before accepting any concurrent benefits.
I tried Claimyr when I had issues with my job search requirements and it worked great. Really saved me from spending half a day trying to get through to Washington ESD. Definitely worth trying if you decide to call them about your situation.
Bottom line - as a truly self-employed person with no recent W-2 wages, you probably won't qualify for regular unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. But it's still worth confirming with them directly, and in the meantime, look into other assistance programs and consider your options for getting back into the workforce.
Rami Samuels
The benefit amount is just the starting point - make sure you understand all the other requirements too like reporting any work or income during weeks you claim, being available for work, etc. Missing any of those requirements can delay or stop your payments.
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Molly Chambers
•Yeah I've been reading about all the requirements. Seems like a lot to keep track of but I guess it makes sense they need to verify you're truly unemployed and looking for work.
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Haley Bennett
•It's really not that bad once you get into the routine of filing your weekly claims. Just be honest about everything and keep good records.
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Douglas Foster
One more tip - if you do any part-time or temporary work while collecting unemployment, make sure you report it properly. You can still get partial benefits but you have to report all earnings or you could get in trouble for overpayment.
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Douglas Foster
•They subtract your earnings from your weekly benefit amount, but there's usually a small earnings disregard so you can make a little bit without it affecting your benefits. The exact formula is on their website.
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Nina Chan
•yeah definitely report everything. i got hit with an overpayment notice for not reporting some cash work i did and it was a nightmare to deal with
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