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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
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The whole reason they call it involuntary unemployment insurance is because there used to be voluntary unemployment insurance programs in some states decades ago. Now it's mostly just the involuntary type, but the name stuck for legal and administrative reasons.
Interesting history! So basically we're stuck with outdated terminology.
Exactly. Government systems are slow to update terminology even when it becomes confusing to the public.
Just to close the loop on this - if you filed an unemployment claim through Washington ESD after being laid off, you've already applied for involuntary unemployment insurance. No need to file anything else or worry about different programs unless you have other specific circumstances.
Perfect, thanks everyone! This thread really helped clear up my confusion.
Glad it helped! This is exactly the kind of question that trips up a lot of new claimants.
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Good thread everyone! Always nice to see people helping each other navigate the Washington ESD system. It can be confusing but there are resources and people willing to help.
Agreed! And remember OP, even if your first application gets denied for some reason, you can always appeal. Don't give up if you truly believe you qualify.
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the help and support. Going to start my application now.
One final reminder - if you get stuck anywhere in the process and need to speak with a Washington ESD representative, don't waste hours on hold. Services like Claimyr (claimyr.com) can get you connected much faster. There's even a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Sometimes it's worth getting professional help to move things along.
Good point. Time is money when you're unemployed, so anything that speeds up the process is probably worth considering.
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Make sure you also understand the waiting week requirement. Even if you qualify, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.
So I won't get paid for the first week I file?
Correct - the first week is unpaid, then benefits start from week two if you're approved and continue filing weekly claims.
Pro tip: gather all your employment documentation before you start the application. W2s, pay stubs, anything showing your work history and wages. Makes the process much smoother.
Good advice! I already pulled together my pay stubs. Should I scan them or just have them ready?
Have them ready but you probably won't need to upload them unless Washington ESD specifically requests documentation during adjudication.
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Partial unemployment saved me when my hours got cut. Definitely file sooner rather than later - benefits don't backdate very far.
How far back do they backdate if at all?
I think it's only to the Sunday of the week you file your claim. So don't wait if you qualify.
Make sure your employer isn't going to contest your claim. Most don't for partial unemployment but it's worth mentioning to your manager that you're filing.
Should I ask them directly or just mention it casually?
I'd probably just mention it casually. Most employers understand when they cut hours that people need to file for partial benefits.
Isabella Santos
One last tip - keep copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD. Their system sometimes loses documents and you'll want backup copies if they ask for something again.
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NebulaKnight
•Great advice! I'll make sure to scan everything before submitting.
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Zainab Khalil
•And take screenshots of your online submissions showing the date and time you filed. Helps if there are any disputes later about when you applied.
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StarStrider
This whole thread should be stickied somewhere! So much useful information for military spouses dealing with unemployment claims.
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NebulaKnight
•Agreed! I feel so much more prepared to file my claim now. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences!
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