Washington Unemployment

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Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.

Using Claimyr will:

  • Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
  • Skip the long phone menu
  • Call the correct department
  • Redial until on hold
  • Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
  • Give you free callbacks if the ESD drops your call
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Ask the community...

  • DO post questions about your issues.
  • DO answer questions and support each other.
  • DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
  • DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)

What disqualifies you for unemployment in Washington ESD - need to know before I file

I'm thinking about filing for unemployment but I want to make sure I won't get disqualified. I've heard there are certain things that can make you ineligible but I'm not sure what they are exactly. I left my last job because my boss was making the workplace really toxic and I couldn't handle it anymore. I didn't get fired or anything, I just quit. Will that disqualify me from getting Washington ESD benefits? What other things should I be worried about that might make me ineligible?

One last thing - don't try to hide anything from Washington ESD. They cross-reference with other databases and will find out about unreported work, income, or other issues. Being honest upfront is always better than getting caught in fraud later.

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this is so important! fraud penalties are serious and can make you permanently ineligible

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Exactly. The temporary embarrassment of admitting to something is way better than the permanent consequences of hiding it.

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I used Claimyr a few months ago when I was confused about whether my separation would be considered misconduct. The Washington ESD agent was able to explain the difference between misconduct and poor performance, and helped me understand what documentation I needed. Saved me a lot of stress and uncertainty.

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That's exactly what I need - someone who can explain the nuances of these rules instead of just generic information.

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Right, every situation is different and the general rules don't always apply clearly to your specific circumstances.

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What is the most unemployment pays in Washington ESD weekly benefits?

I'm trying to figure out what the maximum weekly benefit amount is for Washington ESD unemployment. I've been working in tech for the past 5 years making around $95k annually, and I'm worried about getting laid off next month due to company restructuring. I want to know what I could potentially qualify for if I need to file for unemployment. Does anyone know what the highest weekly benefit amount Washington ESD pays out? I've looked on their website but the information seems scattered and I can't find a clear maximum amount.

One more thing - if you do get unemployment benefits, you can still do some part-time work. Washington ESD allows you to earn up to your weekly benefit amount before it starts reducing your benefits. So if you're getting $999, you could earn up to $999 in a week and still get some unemployment.

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Exactly, just make sure you report all earnings accurately when you file your weekly claims. They have a formula for how much they reduce benefits based on what you earn.

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The partial benefit calculation can be confusing but it's definitely worth doing some work if you can find it.

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Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This thread has been really informative. Hopefully I won't need to use any of this knowledge but it's good to be prepared.

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Good luck with everything. The tech industry is volatile but there are still opportunities out there.

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Keep us posted on how things go. This community is here to help if you need it.

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Can you draw unemployment and social security at the same time in Washington ESD?

I'm 62 and just got laid off from my warehouse job after 8 years. I'm already collecting early social security benefits ($1,200/month) and wondering if I can also file for unemployment through Washington ESD? My boss said something about it being allowed but I'm not sure if that's true. Has anyone been in this situation before? Do I need to report my social security income when I file my weekly claims?

Thanks for asking this question! I'm in a similar situation and was wondering the same thing. This thread has been incredibly informative.

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Glad it helped! I feel much better about my situation now too.

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Definitely. It's nice to know we're not alone in dealing with these kinds of situations.

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Just to wrap this up - yes, you can collect both, just report your social security income on your weekly claims, and make sure you're still actively looking for work. Pretty straightforward once you know the rules.

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Perfect summary. I'm going to file my claim tomorrow. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

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Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

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How can I qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington - need help understanding requirements

I'm trying to figure out if I can qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. I was laid off from my retail job last month after working there for about 8 months. Before that I had another part-time job for like 6 months. I'm not really sure what the requirements are or how they calculate if you're eligible. Does anyone know what you need to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment? I'm worried I might not have worked long enough or made enough money. Any help would be appreciated!

Just want to mention that if you're unsure about whether you qualify, it doesn't hurt to apply anyway. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised.

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Drake

Author

That's a good point. I was worried about applying if I might not qualify but I guess there's no harm in trying.

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Exactly! I thought I wouldn't qualify due to some complicated job situation but ended up being eligible. You never know until you apply.

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One last thing - make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and other programs. There used to be pandemic programs but those ended. Now it's just regular UI benefits for most people.

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Drake

Author

Good to know. I was wondering about that since I heard about different programs during COVID.

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Yeah all the pandemic stuff like PUA and PEUC ended a while ago. Now it's back to the regular state unemployment program.

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If I don't qualify for FMLA can I get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

My company denied my FMLA request because I haven't been there long enough (only 8 months). I had to quit to take care of my sick father and now I'm wondering if I can still file for unemployment with Washington ESD? I know quitting usually disqualifies you but does having a medical/family reason make any difference? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

I think the key is proving you had no reasonable alternative to quitting. If your employer couldn't accommodate your family care needs and you couldn't afford unpaid leave, that might constitute good cause. Document everything!

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Perfect! Those emails could be crucial evidence. Keep copies of everything.

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Also get any medical documentation about your father's condition that shows why immediate care was necessary.

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Update us after you file and let us know what happens! Your situation might help other people in similar circumstances understand their options.

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Will do! Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. This thread has been incredibly helpful.

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Good luck! Even if unemployment doesn't work out, you did the right thing taking care of your father.

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