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One thing that helped me was doing a practice run through the application without submitting it first. Just to see what info they ask for.
Just remember that once you submit the application, the clock starts ticking on filing your weekly claims. Don't apply until you're ready to commit to the weekly filing schedule.
I'll add one final thing - start your job search right away even before your claim is approved. Washington ESD requires job search activities and it's easier to stay on top of it from the beginning than to catch up later.
Hope this thread helped answer your questions! Feel free to ask if anything else comes up during the application process. This community is pretty good about helping each other navigate the Washington ESD system.
The whole system is confusing but once you get your first payment it becomes more routine. The hardest part is the initial application and waiting for approval. After that it's just filing your weekly claims and doing your job searches.
One last tip - if you run into any issues with your claim or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your benefits, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Much easier than trying to navigate their phone system on your own.
I had to appeal my benefit amount because I thought it was too low. Turns out Washington ESD wasn't counting wages from one of my employers properly. The appeals process took about 6 weeks but I got backpay for the difference.
Don't get discouraged if the process seems overwhelming. Once you get your first payment and get into the routine of filing weekly claims, it becomes pretty straightforward. The hardest part is usually just getting your initial claim approved.
Dyllan Nantx
Final summary: Unpaid FMLA leave with job protection = no unemployment eligibility. You must be able, available, and actively seeking work. Job attachment through protected leave disqualifies you even without wages.
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Destiny Bryant
•Perfect summary. Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses!
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Misterclamation Skyblue
•This should be pinned somewhere. Super clear explanation of a confusing topic.
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Peyton Clarke
wait so if I'm on unpaid sick leave but my job isn't protected I might qualify?
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Dyllan Nantx
•Potentially, but you'd still need to meet the able and available requirements. If you're too sick to work, you wouldn't qualify. It depends on your specific circumstances.
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Peyton Clarke
•got it, so it's not just about whether you're getting paid or not
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