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The determination letter will be very clear about whether you're approved or denied. It's usually 2-3 pages and explains everything in detail including your weekly benefit amount if approved.
Just to summarize for the OP - determination pending means still processing, not denied. Keep filing weekly claims, watch for mail, and if you need immediate answers, consider using a service like Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD faster than trying to call on your own.
Try calling multiple numbers at the same time if you have access to different phones. I use my cell phone and landline simultaneously to double my chances.
Honestly at this point I'm considering that Claimyr service too. I've wasted so many hours trying to call that it would probably save me time and stress in the long run.
just remember the whole process takes time. even after you file it can take a week or two before you see your first payment if everything goes smoothly. dont panic if its not immediate
One more tip - when you file make sure all your employer information is accurate including dates of employment and reason for separation. Any discrepancies can trigger an adjudication which delays your benefits. It's better to double check everything upfront.
Dylan Mitchell
Another thing to check - if you received any severance pay or vacation payout when you were laid off, that might affect when your unemployment benefits start or how they're calculated.
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StarStrider
•I got 2 weeks severance. Does that mean I have to wait 2 weeks before I can collect unemployment?
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Dylan Mitchell
•It depends on how the severance was structured. Some severance delays when you can start collecting, others are just added income. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about your specific situation.
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Sofia Morales
Has anyone had success appealing their benefit calculation? Mine seems way too low based on what I was earning but I don't know if it's worth the hassle to appeal.
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Andre Dupont
•I didn't appeal but I did get mine corrected when I provided additional wage documentation. If you think there's an error it's definitely worth pursuing.
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Mateo Hernandez
•Before appealing, I'd suggest calling Washington ESD to understand exactly how they calculated your benefits. That's where Claimyr really helped me - I was able to get a detailed explanation of my calculation and it turned out to be correct.
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