


Ask the community...
Just wanted to add - if you worked for multiple employers during your base period, make sure to include ALL of them when you file. Washington ESD will contact each one to verify your wages.
The waiting can be nerve-wracking but try to be patient with the process. Washington ESD processes thousands of claims and they do their best to be thorough. Most eligible people do get approved eventually.
automation is the future whether we like it or not. at least washington state has decent unemployment benefits compared to other states. take advantage of the time to figure out your next move
Filed for Washington ESD benefits when my factory job got automated last year. Super straightforward process, got approved in about 2 weeks. The hardest part was actually getting through on their phone line when I had questions, but that's a whole different issue. Good luck with your claim!
For what it's worth, 26 weeks is actually pretty standard. Most states offer between 12-26 weeks, so Washington is on the higher end. Could be worse.
Bottom line: 26 weeks maximum in Washington, no exceptions unless there's a federal extension program (which there isn't right now). Use the time wisely to find good work, meet all the job search requirements, and file your weekly claims on time. Good luck everyone!
Don't forget that if you find work before your benefits run out, you can sometimes restart your claim later if you get laid off again within the benefit year, as long as you haven't exhausted all your weeks.
The whole system is confusing but once you get your determination letter it'll spell everything out clearly. Mine showed exactly how many weeks I qualified for and my weekly benefit amount. Just keep filing your weekly claims on time while you wait for that paperwork.
Oliver Zimmermann
I was in HR for years and saw hundreds of unemployment claims. Attendance issues alone rarely disqualify someone unless there's a clear pattern of willful misconduct. A few late arrivals and sick days don't usually meet that threshold. File your claim with confidence.
0 coins
Jamal Wilson
•This thread has been so helpful. I feel much better about my situation now.
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
•That's what these forums are for - helping each other navigate this stuff. Good luck with everything!
0 coins
CosmicCommander
Final thought - even if you do get denied initially, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason and lots of people win on appeal. I've seen cases where ESD reversed their initial decision after hearing more details.
0 coins
Jamal Wilson
•I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks everyone for all the advice and support!
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•You're welcome. Come back and update us on how it goes. Your experience might help someone else in the same situation.
0 coins