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Final suggestion - document everything including dates you filed claims, dates you called, and any reference numbers you might have received. If this goes on much longer you may need to file a complaint or appeal, and having detailed records will help your case.
Hope you get this resolved soon! The uncertainty is almost worse than just being denied because at least then you'd know where you stand.
From what I can tell, unemployment might be up slightly but it's not a dramatic increase. The real issue is that Washington ESD is understaffed relative to demand.
Bottom line: whether unemployment is up or down, if you need UI benefits, file your claim ASAP. Don't wait for the perfect economic conditions.
One more thing - if you do get approved for disability, make sure you understand the trial work period rules. You might be able to work (and potentially collect unemployment if you lose that job) for a limited time without losing your disability benefits.
Bottom line - get professional advice before you do anything. This isn't something you want to guess about. The penalties for getting it wrong can be severe, and the rules are too complex for most people to navigate alone.
I tried calling Washington ESD like 50 times yesterday and never got through. Phone system is absolutely terrible. Thank god for services like Claimyr that can actually get you connected to a real person. Made all the difference in getting my questions answered about my claim status.
How exactly does Claimyr work? Do they just call for you or something?
Don't stress too much about the application process. It's pretty straightforward once you get started. The hardest part is usually getting through to someone if you have questions, but the online system works pretty well for basic filing.
Emily Jackson
The 8 months should definitely be enough time. I've seen people qualify with less. The main thing is just making sure your employer actually reported your wages correctly to Washington ESD. Sometimes there are delays or mistakes in reporting.
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CosmicCaptain
•How would I know if my wages weren't reported correctly?
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Emily Jackson
•Check your SAW account and compare it to your pay stubs. If something looks off, you can contact your employer or Washington ESD to get it corrected.
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Liam Mendez
My sister had a similar situation - part time for several months then hours got cut. She qualified no problem and has been getting benefits for like 3 months now. Go ahead and apply!
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CosmicCaptain
•That's encouraging! Did she have any trouble with the job search requirements being part-time before?
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Liam Mendez
•Nope, as long as you meet the work search requirements each week, it doesn't matter what your previous work schedule was.
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