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Thanks everyone for all the info! This has been way more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website on my own. At least now I know what to look for when I check my wage history.
One last thing - if you do qualify and end up filing, don't wait if you lose your job. File right away since there's usually a waiting week and processing time. Benefits don't go backwards to when you should have filed.
One more timing thing - if you move to a different state while collecting Washington unemployment, you can usually keep your benefits but you need to notify Washington ESD immediately. Don't just assume it's automatic.
The most important thing is don't delay filing your initial claim. Every week you wait is money you can't get back. Even if you're not sure about something, file first and ask questions later.
I remember 2008 when everything went to hell and unemployment spiked. Took years to recover from that mess. At least this time around we didn't have a complete financial system collapse.
Bottom line is whether unemployment is high or low, Washington ESD needs to fix their customer service. Having record low unemployment doesn't help if you can't get your claim processed when you need it.
Which is exactly why services like Claimyr exist. Until Washington ESD improves their phone system, people need alternatives to actually reach someone who can help with their claims.
Just wanted to add that you should save copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD. Screenshots, emails, everything. Helps if there are any issues later.
Tyrone Hill
I had similar confusion about these terms when I filed my claim. Ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to actually talk to an ESD rep who cleared everything up. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to understand your specific situation.
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Effie Alexander
•Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with that service. I'll check it out.
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Toot-n-Mighty
Don't worry too much about the economic definitions. For ESD purposes, you're unemployed, you're available for work, and you're actively searching. That's what matters for your weekly claims.
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Effie Alexander
•You're right. I'll focus on completing my weekly claims accurately rather than worrying about the terminology.
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