r/UnemploymentWA • u/yoursecretsanta2016 • 4d ago

Why make things more stressful? (slight rant)

Filling out last week’s claim by phone, I messed up and submitted before adding my income from pet sitting (less than $300). Tried to hang up before it submitted, failed at that, so I immediately went online to file a report.

I was surprised to see the full amount deposited, but figured it would get adjusted down later. Logged in today, I don’t even remember why, to see that I had two notices and two letters. Apparently there was a request on Wednesday for more info about the claim, with a deadline for yesterday which I of course missed. So now I get a notice of denial of claim for failing to report wages from an employer (which I don’t have), and a bill for the entire week’s benefit payment.

I realize that I messed up. I realize that it will probably be resolved by my appeal. I also am good doing technical legal work, but this stresses me at an already stressful time. And why can’t they email or text me to let me know I have action items on my account? I mean, do I have to just log in every day or two?

How much worse is it for someone who isn’t as familiar with government bureaucracy? Or for whom English isn’t their first language? The last thing I need is to have a hearing, pay back a week’s benefits, and I don’t know, provide evidence of NOT having a job.

I am being honest here. I am including the $20 - 40 per week cash I receive for walking the neighbor’s dog and any cash tips. I’m trying to find any kind of work, even though the pet stuff reduces my benefits and I am effectively making less than $2 per hour.

I do truly appreciate the safety net. And everyone I have spoken to at ESD has been kind and understanding (once I get through). It just seems like there has to be a more efficient way to deal with something like this.

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u/SoThenIThought_ Admin for WEBA.Law, WA Unemployment Benefits 3d ago edited 3d ago

Hi

This suspicion,

I realize that I messed up. I realize that it will probably be resolved by my appeal. I also am good doing technical legal work, but this stresses me at an already stressful time. And why can’t they email or text me to let me know I have action items on my account? I mean, do I have to just log in every day or two?

The guidance to solve this is automatically posted every 3 days:

Missing Wages? $0 Weekly Benefit? Requesting a Redetermination

I think your doing fine: most claimants don't even read the handbook

This is a good start

I offer help. For free. Paid for by my company. You are not alone the moment that you ask for help:

You. Are Worth It

1

u/TemporarySeparate782 3d ago

Hello! I was wondering if there was a good way to reach out to you privately about an unemployment benefits question I have that is pretty urgent. I can't DM you myself unfortunately as I made an anon account today for this but didn't realize that it won't let me send messages. Thank you so much

1

u/SoThenIThought_ Admin for WEBA.Law, WA Unemployment Benefits 3d ago

Hi there, looks like you are replying to the person who is venting, asking for help. I am assuming you want to talk to me.

Schedule a Time to Meet With Me

1

u/TemporarySeparate782 3d ago

Yes, sorry! Thank you