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For anyone still reading this - I found that Washington ESD also sends email reminders about filing your weekly claim if you sign up for notifications.
Just want to add that even if you think you might not qualify, it's often worth applying anyway. The worst they can do is deny your claim, and sometimes people are surprised to find out they do qualify. The eligibility rules can be complex and there are exceptions for various situations.
Good luck with your claim! The process can be stressful but most people who are legitimately eligible do eventually get their benefits. Just be patient and persistent, especially if you run into any delays or issues.
just remember that unemployment is temporary - the goal is to find another job not live on benefits forever. that said the weekly amounts definitely help bridge the gap while you're searching
For OP - based on your $52K salary, you're probably looking at somewhere between $280-320 per week depending on how your earnings were distributed throughout the year. Not great but better than nothing while you job hunt.
After you file your initial claim, you'll get a handbook in the mail that explains everything about weekly claims, job search requirements, and reporting. Read through it - it's actually pretty helpful.
If you run into any issues with your claim after filing, don't wait around hoping it will fix itself. Call ESD or use one of those callback services like Claimyr to get help quickly. Problems usually get worse if you ignore them.
Nina Fitzgerald
Whatever you do, don't trust the automated estimate when you first file. Mine was off by like $200/week and I didn't find out until I talked to an actual person.
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Jason Brewer
•How do you get to talk to an actual person though? Every time I call I just get transferred around or hung up on.
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Kiara Fisherman
Remember that your benefit year starts when you file your claim, not when you became unemployed. So don't delay filing if you think you might be eligible.
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Sophia Carson
•Good point, I filed the day after I got laid off. Hopefully that helps with getting payments started faster.
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