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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 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.
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.
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.
Laila Fury
This whole thread should be pinned somewhere. So many people don't understand how the base period calculation works and end up accepting lower benefits than they qualify for.
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Alberto Souchard
•Agreed. The Washington ESD website doesn't explain it clearly enough.
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Geoff Richards
•Yeah, they make it sound like your benefit is just based on your recent job, but it's much more complicated than that.
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Nia Watson
Update #2: Got approved for alternate base period! My weekly benefit went from $180 to $412. They're also sending me back pay for the weeks I already certified. Huge relief!
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Quinn Herbert
•This is so encouraging! I just submitted my request for alternate base period yesterday.
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Chris Elmeda
•Congrats! That back pay is going to be a nice chunk of change too.
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