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hate to be negative but this whole system is such a mess. you cant work so you apply for disability but they make you prove you cant work by jumping through hoops that require you to be healthy enough to jump through hoops. makes no sense
Just want to echo what others said about Claimyr - I used it last month to get through to Washington ESD about a different issue and it actually worked. Saved me so much time and frustration. Worth checking out if you need to talk to them about transitioning between programs.
Just want to add that if you're getting conflicting information or still confused about your timeline, services like Claimyr can be really helpful. I used them when I couldn't figure out why my payments suddenly stopped, and the agent was able to explain there was a job search requirement issue I wasn't aware of.
One more thing - don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to be actively looking for work and documenting it even while waiting for your first payment. Some people think they can wait until benefits start but you need to be searching from day one.
For anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD for specific questions about their claim duration, that Claimyr service really does work. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call on my own.
Just to summarize for anyone reading this later: Washington state unemployment is maximum 26 weeks of regular UI benefits during your benefit year. No current federal extensions. Use your time wisely and have a plan for what happens when benefits end.
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.
Jessica Nolan
For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD, I also used Claimyr recently and it worked great. They have a video demo that explains the whole process: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about complex eligibility questions.
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Angelina Farar
•Thanks for the tip. I've been trying to get through for two weeks about my base period calculation.
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Jessica Nolan
•That's exactly the kind of question that's hard to get answered without talking to an agent. The online info is helpful but sometimes you need clarification for your specific situation.
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Sebastián Stevens
Bottom line: if you worked as an employee, earned decent wages, and lost your job through no fault of your own, you probably qualify. The application process will determine your specific eligibility and benefit amount. Don't let uncertainty stop you from filing if you genuinely need the benefits.
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Bethany Groves
•This thread has been super helpful. I think I qualify based on everything discussed here.
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Sebastián Stevens
•Good luck with your application! The key is being honest and thorough with your information. Washington ESD will verify everything anyway.
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