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Just remember that part-time work can affect your weekly benefit amount too. If you work while collecting UI, they reduce your benefit based on how much you earn that week.
How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? I might need to do some freelance work while I'm looking for a full-time job.
The benefit amount calculation seems straightforward enough, but actually getting approved and receiving payments is where things get complicated. My advice is to file as soon as you're eligible and be prepared for potential delays.
Thanks for all the info everyone. I think I have enough information now to estimate my benefits and decide whether to file.
Good luck with your claim! And remember, if you need to contact Washington ESD for any reason, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can really help you get through to an actual person instead of spending hours on hold.
For what it's worth, $387/week on a $42k salary sounds about right. That's roughly $20k annually in benefits, which is pretty close to 50% of your previous income. The calculation is working as intended.
Final advice: get a copy of your complete wage history from Washington ESD and compare it to your pay stubs and W-2s. Any missing wages or incorrect employer information will throw off your benefit calculation. Had a friend who was short $50/week because one employer's wages weren't reported correctly.
How do I get a copy of my wage history? Is that something I can access online or do I need to request it?
You should be able to see it in your online account, or you can call and request it. If you're having trouble getting through by phone, some people mentioned that Claimyr service earlier in the thread.
Bottom line - Washington ESD processing times have been inconsistent for years regardless of politics or unemployment rates. Your best bet is to file everything correctly and be persistent if problems arise.
If you have any trouble with the Claimyr service some people mentioned, I used it too and it definitely works. Got me through to Washington ESD in about 20 minutes when I couldn't reach them any other way.
Just remember the most important thing is to file your initial claim as soon as possible after losing your job. Everything else can be figured out as you go.
Amara Eze
If it helps, I got my approval notification on a Wednesday after filing on a Monday two weeks prior. So exactly 2 weeks and 2 days. First payment showed up in my account the following Tuesday. So once it gets approved, the money comes pretty quick.
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Freya Johansen
•That timeline gives me hope! Fingers crossed I hear something this week then.
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Giovanni Ricci
Don't forget that even after you get approved, you might have a waiting week depending on when you filed and your work history. That's separate from the processing time.
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Freya Johansen
•I thought they eliminated the waiting week in Washington?
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Omar Fawzi
•They did eliminate it for most people, but there are still some situations where it applies. Manufacturing layoffs usually don't have waiting weeks though.
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