


Ask the community...
Quick update for anyone following this thread - I finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. The agent confirmed my claim is processing normally and should be approved within the next week. She also clarified some job search requirements that weren't clear on the website. Definitely worth using if you need to talk to someone.
Final thought - approval rates for legitimate layoffs are actually pretty high. Washington ESD has gotten better at processing straightforward claims quickly. It's the edge cases and people with complicated work histories that tend to have problems. Your retail job layoff due to store closure should be pretty cut and dried.
The biggest benefit is obviously the money but don't overlook the job search resources. WorkSource has resume help, interview prep, and job matching services. It's actually required that you register with them within a few weeks of filing.
Just remember you have to be able and available for work to keep getting benefits. If you go on vacation or get sick, you need to report that when you file your weekly claim. Being dishonest can lead to overpayment issues later.
One last tip - if you run into any issues during the application process or afterwards, don't waste time trying to get through on the phone. I mentioned Claimyr earlier and I can't recommend them enough. They got me connected to Washington ESD within 15 minutes when I had a problem with my weekly claim. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things sorted out.
I'll definitely keep that in mind. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know there's an option if I get stuck.
I'm curious about this Claimyr thing now too. Might be worth it just for peace of mind.
UPDATE: I went ahead and applied online this morning! It took about 45 minutes and wasn't as bad as I expected. Now I just have to wait to hear back. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice and encouragement. I'll update again once I hear something.
Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. The weekly is what you get each week, but the maximum is the total you can receive during your benefit year.
The timing of when you file can actually affect your benefit calculation if you're close to a quarter boundary. Something to keep in mind if you're right at the end/beginning of a quarter.
Zara Mirza
Been reading about other states that have better systems. Some places process claims in 2-3 weeks max. Washington needs to modernize their whole operation.
0 coins
NebulaNinja
•Which states are doing it better? Might be worth looking into if I have to move for work anyway.
0 coins
Connor O'Reilly
•Technology upgrades cost money and require legislative approval. Washington ESD has been asking for system modernization funding for years.
0 coins
Luca Russo
At this point I just want to talk to a human being who can look at my claim and tell me what's wrong. Is that too much to ask?
0 coins
CosmicCrusader
•Or use Claimyr - they specialize in getting you connected to Washington ESD agents. That's how I finally got my adjudication resolved.
0 coins
Mateo Sanchez
•Never heard of Claimyr before but at this point I'm willing to try anything. Thanks for the suggestion.
0 coins