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Last thing - make sure you're available for work and actively looking for jobs. Washington ESD does check on that stuff and it can affect your claim if you're not meeting the requirements.
Hoping you get good news soon! The first approval is always the most nerve-wracking but once it goes through the weekly payments usually come pretty regularly.
Just wanted to add that you should keep filing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is under review. If you get approved, you'll get paid for all those weeks retroactively. If you don't file the weekly claims, you won't get paid for those weeks even if approved.
The bottom line is that performance-related terminations are usually eligible for benefits. Washington ESD distinguishes between being fired for misconduct (which disqualifies you) and being fired for other reasons like performance or not being a good fit (which usually doesn't disqualify you). File your claim and let them make the determination.
Union members should check with their union rep too. Sometimes there are additional benefits or requirements for union workers filing UI claims. Your union might also help with the paperwork or appeals if needed.
One more thing - if you have any doubts about eligibility, just file anyway! The worst they can do is deny your claim, and you can always appeal if you think they're wrong. Don't talk yourself out of filing if you might qualify.
Amina Toure
For anyone wondering, you can see your estimated weekly benefit amount in your SecureAccess Washington account even before your claim is fully approved. It's under the claim summary section.
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Mei Wong
•Perfect! I'll check that right now. Thanks for the tip!
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Amina Toure
•No problem! Just remember it's an estimate until they verify everything, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
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Oliver Weber
The whole unemployment system in Washington seems designed to confuse people. Between base periods, benefit years, weekly claims, and adjudication, it's like they don't want you to actually get benefits.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•I understand the frustration, but the complexity exists because they have to follow federal and state laws about eligibility and benefit calculations. It's not intentionally confusing, just legally required to be thorough.
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Oliver Weber
•I get that, but they could definitely make the process more user-friendly without changing the underlying requirements.
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