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Pro tip: when Washington ESD calls you for the separation interview, answer the phone! They usually only try a few times before making a decision based on available information. If you miss the call, call back immediately.
Final update from me: Got approved! Washington ESD determined that performance issues without willful misconduct don't disqualify you from benefits. Took exactly 3 weeks from filing to approval. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice.
Just wanted to add that if you're worried about the timeline, start applying for jobs immediately and keep good records. The job search requirement kicks in right away and they can audit your activities retroactively.
Bottom line - if you filed last Thursday with no complications, you should see your first payment next Tuesday or Wednesday for your second week of filing. Keep filing weekly, keep job searching, and try not to stress too much about the timeline unless it goes past 3 weeks.
whatever the amount ends up being, it'll probably be less than your take-home pay from working. unemployment is meant to be temporary assistance not full replacement income
Good luck with everything! The amount should be decent based on what you described. Just be prepared for the bureaucracy and keep all your paperwork organized.
Thanks everyone! This thread has been really helpful. I feel much more prepared now if I need to file.
And remember, if you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD, services like Claimyr can really save you time and frustration. Worth knowing about before you need it.
Remember that even if you qualify based on work history, you still need to be able and available for work to receive benefits. If you have any restrictions on the type of work you can do or hours you're available, make sure to report that accurately when you file.
I should be able to work full-time in my field without restrictions. Is there anything specific I should know about the 'able and available' requirement?
One last thought - document everything happening at work right now. Even if you don't end up needing it for unemployment, it's good to have records of performance discussions, any training offered, deadlines given, etc. It shows you were engaged and trying to meet expectations.
I'll start keeping better records. Thanks for all the advice everyone - this has been really helpful in understanding what to expect.
Ava Hernandez
If anyone's still having trouble reaching Washington ESD with questions, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get peace of mind about these things.
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Gabriel Freeman
•I'll definitely keep that in mind if I need to reach someone. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Isabella Martin
•The phone system is so frustrating, it's nice to know there are alternatives that actually work.
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Elijah Jackson
Hope this thread helped ease your mind! The unemployment system has its problems but invading your financial privacy for routine claims isn't one of them. Good luck with your application!
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Gabriel Freeman
•It definitely did help! Everyone here has been so informative and reassuring. Thank you all!
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