One last tip - if you do start collecting Social Security, make sure you understand how it might affect your spouse's benefits too, especially if they haven't started collecting yet.

I went through this exact situation last year at age 64. Washington ESD unemployment benefits definitely don't affect your Social Security calculation - they're completely separate systems. I collected both for about 4 months while job searching. The key things to remember: 1) Both are taxable income so plan for taxes accordingly, 2) You need to stay available for work to keep getting unemployment, and 3) If you find work while on early Social Security, there are earning limits to consider ($23,400 for 2025). I'd recommend using that Claimyr service others mentioned to get through to Social Security - it really does work better than calling directly. The peace of mind from having both income sources while looking for work was worth it for me.

I just want to add some encouragement here! I went through the adjudication process about 6 months ago after being laid off from my teaching position due to district budget cuts. Got the call from an adjudicator on a Monday, and she asked very similar questions about my separation - why I was laid off, if there were any performance issues, etc. The call was only about 8 minutes long and I remember feeling like it went by so fast! I received my determination 5 business days later and was approved. The relief was incredible! Since your situation involves a clear layoff due to budget cuts (like mine was), you're in a really good position. Those are typically the most straightforward cases for approval since there's no question about misconduct or voluntary separation. One thing that really helped me during the waiting period was keeping busy with job search activities and trying not to refresh my eServices account every 10 minutes (though I totally did anyway 😅). The determination will show up there first, usually in the morning, and then you'll get an email notification. Hang in there - the waiting is absolutely the worst part, but based on what you've described, I'm confident your claim will be approved. That backpay is going to feel amazing when it hits your account! Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞

I went through this exact situation about 6 weeks ago! Got my adjudicator call on a Friday afternoon - very similar to yours, about 12 minutes of questions about my layoff from the nonprofit I worked at (also due to budget cuts). The adjudicator was actually really professional and seemed to understand that it was a clear-cut layoff situation. I got my determination letter 5 business days later and was APPROVED! 🎉 The backpay came through about 3 days after that - nearly $4,800 which was such a huge relief after burning through my emergency fund. Since your separation was due to budget cuts and you were in nursing (essential field), I think you're in a really strong position. Budget-related layoffs are usually pretty straightforward for ESD to approve since there's no question of misconduct or voluntary separation. The hardest part is definitely the waiting! I must have checked my eServices account 20 times a day during those 5 days. But try to stay positive - from everything you've described, this sounds like it should go smoothly. Make sure to keep filing those weekly claims in the meantime. Keep us updated on how it goes! Fingers crossed you'll have good news very soon! 🤞

Make sure you register with Washington ESD as soon as you hire your first employee. There are penalties for late registration and you'll be liable for back taxes from the date you should have registered.

Thanks everyone for all this detailed info! This thread has been incredibly helpful. Just to summarize what I've learned: new tech businesses typically start around 1.5-2.7%, there's an additional 0.02% surcharge, taxes are paid quarterly on wages up to $68,500 per employee, and rates can drop significantly over time with good experience ratings. The hardest part seems to be actually reaching Washington ESD when you have questions - definitely going to check out that Claimyr service several people mentioned. Really appreciate this community sharing real-world experiences!

Last thought - if you're really struggling while waiting, some employers offer emergency hardship assistance even after layoffs. Might be worth reaching out to HR to ask. Also, local churches and community organizations often have emergency assistance funds available.

Based on my recent experience with Washington ESD, I'd plan for 3-4 weeks realistically. Mine took exactly 22 days from initial filing to first direct deposit. The key things that helped speed it up: having all my employment docs ready upfront, setting up direct deposit immediately, and making sure my WorkSourceWA registration was complete before filing my first weekly claim. The waiting week plus processing time is unavoidable, but being prepared with all the paperwork definitely prevents delays. Stay on top of your weekly claims even while the initial claim is pending - that's crucial!

If you can't get through, seriously consider trying Claimyr. I know I mentioned it earlier but it really does work for getting connected to an actual person at Washington ESD.

I went through this exact same situation last year. The key is being persistent and having your story straight. I was able to get 5 weeks backdated by explaining that I was overwhelmed after my layoff and didn't know unemployment was available immediately. Make sure you document everything - job search activities, any conversations with former employers, even LinkedIn searches count as job seeking activity. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to note in your file exactly what you discussed and get a reference number if possible. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me but I eventually got those backdated payments. Don't give up!