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Had a similar scare last year - turned out to be a computer glitch that showed me as disqualified for like 48 hours then went back to normal. Sometimes their system has temporary issues that resolve themselves.
Final advice - document everything. Screenshot your current claim status, save copies of all your weekly claim submissions, and keep track of your job search activities. If you need to appeal, having good documentation will help your case significantly.
For anyone wondering about the math: Washington ESD takes your highest quarter earnings, divides by 26, and that's your weekly benefit amount (subject to the minimum and maximum limits). Pretty straightforward once you understand it.
Bottom line is unemployment benefits are meant to be temporary assistance, not full wage replacement. The amounts might seem low but they're designed to help with basic needs while you actively search for new employment.
Just wanted to add that even if you don't qualify for regular UI, there might be other assistance programs available. Don't give up if your first application gets denied.
good luck with everything! losing a job sucks but at least washington has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states. hang in there
Also make sure you keep applying for jobs even before your first payment comes through. The job search requirement starts right away and they can ask for proof going back to when you first filed.
Danielle Campbell
Another service option if you need help reaching Washington ESD - there's also Claimyr.com that a lot of people have mentioned works well for getting through to agents. I used them when I needed to check on my payment status and it saved me a ton of time compared to calling myself.
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Mikayla Brown
•I'm seeing Claimyr mentioned a few times in this thread. Might be worth looking into if I run into problems.
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Rhett Bowman
•Yeah I've heard good things about services like that. The Washington ESD phone system is notorious for being hard to get through on.
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Abigail Patel
Last bit of advice - don't wait until Sunday night to file your weekly claims. The system gets overloaded and you might have trouble getting the site to load. I always file mine on Saturday afternoon.
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Mikayla Brown
•Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone! I feel much more prepared to start the application now.
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Abigail Patel
•Good luck! It seems overwhelming at first but once you get into the routine it becomes pretty straightforward.
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