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OP, based on what you've described (layoff, 2 years employment, no issues), you should definitely be approved. The process just takes time and Washington ESD doesn't give much feedback while they're processing. Hang in there!
One thing that helped me was using Claimyr when I needed to verify my benefit calculation with Washington ESD. Instead of spending all day trying to get through, I was able to speak with an agent quickly and get my questions answered about how they calculated my weekly amount.
For anyone still confused, here's the simple version: Washington ESD takes your highest-earning quarter from your base period, divides by 26, and that's your weekly benefit (up to the $999 max). Base period is roughly 12-18 months ago, not your recent work.
The system really wasn't designed with the gig economy in mind. Hopefully they'll update the rules eventually to better reflect how people actually work now.
Washington ESD website says you can file a claim up to one year after becoming unemployed, but like everyone else is saying, you only get benefits from the date you file forward. So there's technically no hard deadline but practically you want to file ASAP.
The bottom line is file immediately. I've seen too many people on here regretting waiting. And if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim, that Claimyr thing actually works - I was skeptical but they got me through to an agent in like 10 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own.
Victoria Scott
Awesome news! I remember that feeling of relief when my approval finally came through. Now the real work begins with keeping up with all the requirements - job searches, weekly certifications, etc. But at least you'll have some income coming in.
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Lucas Adams
•Yeah I'm definitely going to stay on top of everything now. Don't want to risk losing benefits after waiting so long.
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Victoria Scott
•Smart approach. The worst thing would be to get approved and then lose benefits due to a paperwork issue.
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Benjamin Johnson
For anyone else reading this - definitely keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication. I made the mistake of stopping when mine took forever, and it complicated things when I finally got approved. Learn from my error!
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Lucas Adams
•Good advice! I kept filing the whole time even though it felt pointless. Glad I did.
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Zara Perez
•Yeah they tell you to keep filing but when you're in limbo for months it's hard to remember. Setting a weekly reminder helps.
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