


Ask the community...
Just want to echo what others said about keeping good records. Washington ESD can ask for documentation of your job search activities so save everything - applications, email confirmations, notes from interviews, etc.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This thread has been way more useful than the Washington ESD website for understanding how the benefit amounts work.
Make sure you file for the correct week! When they ask when you became unemployed, use the first day you were actually unemployed, not when you found out you were getting laid off.
Final advice for OP: gather your employment info (employer details, dates, reason for separation), file tonight, start your weekly claims on schedule, and do your job searches. You'll be fine with the 2-week delay. Washington ESD deals with much worse timing issues every day.
Final piece of advice - file your return even if you can't pay what you owe right away. The penalty for not filing is much higher than the penalty for not paying on time. You can always work out a payment arrangement after you file.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much better about tackling this tax situation now. Going to gather all my documents this weekend and either do it myself or find a tax preparer to help me out.
Bottom line - you get 26 weeks maximum in Washington, period. Use that time wisely to find something good rather than just taking the first thing that comes along if you can afford to be selective.
Just remember to keep track of your job search activities too - Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time and if you don't have proper documentation, they can deny your benefits even if you're within the 26 week limit.
Sydney Torres
One more thing - if you're denied for any reason, you can appeal the decision. Don't just give up if your initial application gets rejected. Sometimes there are simple issues that can be resolved.
0 coins
Diego Castillo
•How long do you have to file an appeal if needed?
0 coins
Sydney Torres
•30 days from the date of the determination letter. But hopefully you won't need to worry about that - sounds like you should qualify based on what you've described.
0 coins
Kaitlyn Jenkins
Bottom line - apply as soon as possible online at esd.wa.gov. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employer information ready. Don't overthink it, just get the application submitted. You've got nothing to lose by applying and it sounds like you'll probably qualify.
0 coins
Caleb Bell
•Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes.
0 coins
Ali Anderson
•Remember to file your weekly claims even while waiting for the initial decision. And if you need to reach Washington ESD by phone for any reason, definitely consider using that Claimyr service rather than spending hours redialing.
0 coins