


Ask the community...
Has anyone had their severance payments cause issues with the job search requirement? Like can you start looking for work immediately or do you have to wait?
You should start your job search immediately when you file your claim. Washington ESD doesn't care if you're getting severance - you still need to be available and actively seeking work.
The key takeaway here is file your claim right away, report your severance accurately each week, and keep looking for work. Don't overthink it - just be honest with Washington ESD about everything.
Smart move. And if you run into any issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service really does help cut through the phone hassles.
One more resource - the Puget Sound Regional Council publishes economic forecasts that include employment projections for the central Puget Sound area. Helpful for long-term planning.
Good luck to your cousin! The job market is tough but Washington still has opportunities if you know where to look. Having family support during a job search makes a big difference too.
And remember, if he does need to deal with ESD for any reason, services like Claimyr can save a lot of headaches with the phone system.
The whole process can be overwhelming, but it sounds like you have a good case for qualifying. With your work history and the involuntary reduction in hours, you should be eligible for at least partial benefits. The key is to file as soon as possible and be prepared to provide documentation if they request it.
One last thought - if you do run into issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone for any reason, remember that Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier. I ended up using it myself when I had questions about my weekly claims, and it saved me hours of frustration trying to get through their busy phone lines.
I bookmarked that Claimyr website just in case. Hopefully I won't need it, but it's good to know it's there as an option.
One last tip - if you do get denied initially, don't give up. A lot of denials get overturned on appeal. I know someone who got denied, appealed, and won at the hearing. The appeals process gives you a chance to present your case more thoroughly.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info in this thread! I was in a similar situation last month and reading these responses really helped me understand the process better. Filed my claim and got approved after a short adjudication period.
Yuki Tanaka
For what it's worth, I found that calling Washington ESD super early in the morning sometimes works better than trying later in the day. But honestly, that Claimyr thing sounds way easier.
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Carmen Diaz
•I tried the early morning thing but still couldn't get through. Might have to check out that service.
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Natasha Volkova
•Definitely recommend Claimyr if you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD. Takes all the frustration out of trying to get through on your own.
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Andre Laurent
Just want to add that your benefit amount might be different if you're in a union or have other special circumstances. Most people will get the standard calculation but there can be exceptions.
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Yara Nassar
•I'm not in a union so I should be getting the standard calculation. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!
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