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Just double-checked my records - first $600 FPUC payment was indeed April 4, 2020 week, last was July 25, 2020 week. Exactly 16 weeks total. Then nothing until LWA started up briefly in late summer.
The gap between the original $600 FPUC ending and LWA starting was rough. People went from getting the extra help to nothing for several weeks while Congress debated what to do next.
The system is so backed up right now. took me 3 hours on hold last week just to ask a simple question about my claim. wish i knew about these alternative ways to get through earlier!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This thread has been really informative. Sounds like I should file my claim ASAP and plan on up to 26 weeks of benefits while I look for work. Much appreciated!
Just wanted to add that if your child support order changes while you're on unemployment, it can take a few weeks for Washington ESD to update their records. I had to call multiple times to get the new amount processed correctly.
Just wanted to add that even in low unemployment periods, people still lose jobs due to company closures, layoffs, seasonal work ending, etc. The individual circumstances matter way more than the overall economic picture.
Thanks everyone for helping me understand this better. I was definitely overthinking the economic angle when the real issue is just getting my layoff verified. I uploaded all my documentation this morning and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
And if you don't hear anything in 2 weeks, definitely follow up. Sometimes things get stuck in the system.
Will do. If I can't get through by phone I'll try that Claimyr service you all mentioned.
Ryan Andre
Last thought - if your friend does get approved, they should set aside money for taxes. UI benefits are taxable income and it's easy to forget that when you're struggling financially.
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Alicia Stern
•Great point. I hadn't thought about the tax implications. I'll make sure they know about that.
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Lauren Zeb
Hope everything works out for your friend. Being fired is stressful enough without worrying about how you're going to pay bills. At least Washington ESD provides a safety net when it's not your fault.
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Alicia Stern
•Thanks for all the support everyone. This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring.
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