Washington Unemployment
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How does severance pay affect Washington ESD unemployment benefits - confused about timing
I just got laid off from my job after 8 years and they're giving me a severance package worth about $12,000 spread over 3 months. I'm planning to file for unemployment benefits but I'm really confused about how this severance affects my Washington ESD claim. Do I have to wait until the severance runs out to start collecting? Or can I file right away? The HR person wasn't very clear and I don't want to mess up my claim by doing something wrong. Has anyone dealt with this situation before?
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What is the official definition of unemployment for Washington ESD benefits?
I'm filling out my initial claim and trying to understand what Washington ESD considers "unemployment" officially. Is it just being without work, or are there specific criteria? I've been doing some gig work here and there but not enough to live on. Does that still count as unemployed for UI purposes? Want to make sure I'm answering everything correctly on my application.
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How long do u have to work at a job to get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?
hey everyone, just wondering about the work requirements for getting unemployment in washington state. like if i quit my job or get fired how long do i need to have worked there to qualify for benefits? my friend said something about needing to work a certain amount of time but wasn't sure if it was like 6 months or a year or what. also does it matter if you worked part time vs full time? any help would be great thanks
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The whole process can be overwhelming but don't let it discourage you from applying if you think you might qualify. The worst they can do is say no, and then you can appeal if you disagree with their decision.
This is good advice. I almost didn't apply because I wasn't sure if I qualified, but it turned out I did. Better to try than to assume you won't qualify.
thanks everyone for all the help! i think i have a better understanding now
If you do decide to apply, make sure you file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There can be delays in processing, and you want to establish your claim date as early as possible since benefits typically aren't retroactive beyond when you first file.
got it, thanks for the reminder about filing quickly
And if you run into issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service really does work. I used it last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication.
How much is Washington ESD unemployment benefit amount - confused about calculation
I'm trying to figure out how much my weekly unemployment benefit will be from Washington ESD. I've been working part-time for the last 18 months making about $2,100 per month. My friend said it's based on your highest quarter but I can't find clear info on the Washington ESD website about the exact calculation. Does anyone know the formula they use? I keep seeing different numbers when I try to estimate it myself.
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This whole conversation makes me feel better about filing. I was worried I wouldn't qualify for much but sounds like the calculation is pretty straightforward once you understand it.
Yeah it's not as complicated as it first seems. The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator tool too if you want to estimate it yourself.
Thanks for all the info everyone! I've been putting off filing because I didn't understand how it worked. This thread answered most of my questions.
Don't wait too long to file! You can't get benefits for weeks before you actually submit your application.
Filing this weekend for sure. Thanks for the reminder!
Can I get unemployment if I quit to take care of a family member in Washington?
My mom was diagnosed with dementia last month and I had to quit my job at the hospital to become her full-time caregiver. I've been working there for 6 years but they couldn't accommodate my schedule anymore. I heard there might be exceptions for family caregiving situations but I'm not sure if Washington ESD will approve my claim. Has anyone successfully gotten unemployment after quitting for family care reasons? I really need the income while I figure out long-term care options.
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The whole system is designed to make it hard for people in genuine need. But don't give up - if you have a legitimate reason for quitting, keep pushing through the process.
Thank you for the encouragement. It's overwhelming but I know I made the right choice for my family.
Absolutely. Caring for family is exactly the kind of situation these exceptions are designed for. Stay persistent with the process.
Last thing - make sure you understand the appeals process in case your initial claim gets denied. Many people don't realize they can appeal and just give up.
You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait if you get denied - appeal immediately.
Got it, I'll mark that on my calendar. Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice!
Fatima Al-Farsi
Quick tip: when you report your severance on your weekly claim, make sure you report it in the week you actually received it, not spread out over multiple weeks (unless that's actually how you received it). The timing of when you report it matters for their records.
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Zara Shah
AuthorMine is being paid out monthly, so I should report each payment in the week I receive it?
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Fatima Al-Farsi
Exactly! Report each payment when you actually receive it, not when it was originally allocated or anything like that.
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Dylan Wright
Bottom line from someone who's been through this twice - file your unemployment claim as soon as you're laid off, regardless of severance. Report the severance honestly but don't let it stop you from filing. Better to ask forgiveness than permission with Washington ESD timing rules.
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Zara Shah
AuthorThanks everyone! This thread gave me the confidence to file right away. Really appreciate all the advice and shared experiences.
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NebulaNomad
Glad we could help! That's what this community is for - helping each other navigate these confusing systems.
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