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Been collecting for 8 weeks now and still have 18 weeks left. The weekly claims are pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Just make sure you keep track of your job search activities for each week.
One more thing - your 26 weeks doesn't reset if you find a job and then get laid off again. You'd need to work enough to establish a new base period to get a fresh 26 weeks. So try to make them count!
The uncertainty is the worst part. I wish they had a better status system that actually tells you where you are in the process instead of just 'under review'.
Just want to add that if you're really stressed about the timeline, calling can sometimes help even if it's hard to get through. The agents can at least tell you if there are any issues with your claim or if it's just in the normal processing queue.
The problem is actually getting through to talk to someone. I've probably tried calling 50 times and never gotten past the busy signal.
That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. They handle the calling hassle for you and get you connected to an actual person who can give you real information about your claim.
The whole process stressed me out so much when I first did it. But honestly once you get your first payment it's such a relief. Hang in there!
Last bit of advice: keep checking your online account regularly after you apply. Sometimes Washington ESD needs additional information and they'll post notices there rather than calling or mailing you.
I know someone mentioned Claimyr earlier but I wanted to add that when I used it, it really did help me get through to Washington ESD quickly. I was having issues with my partial claim getting stuck and needed to talk to someone. Much better than the endless busy signals I was getting before.
The main thing is don't let reduced hours discourage you from applying. Washington ESD specifically has partial unemployment benefits for situations exactly like yours. Even if you only get a small weekly benefit amount, every bit helps when your income gets cut.
Nalani Liu
Just want to add that if you think your benefit amount is wrong, don't wait to appeal or request a correction. There are time limits on when you can challenge the determination.
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Axel Bourke
•How long do you have to appeal?
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Nalani Liu
•Generally 30 days from when you receive the determination notice. Don't let it slide if you think there's an error.
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Aidan Percy
This thread has been really helpful. I was getting stressed about my benefit amount but now I understand how it's calculated. Thanks everyone!
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Fernanda Marquez
•Same here! Much clearer now than trying to decipher the Washington ESD website.
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Melina Haruko
•Agreed, got way better info here than anywhere else I looked.
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