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My cousin went through this exact situation and got approved for benefits. The key was having her doctor write a letter specifically stating that her work environment was detrimental to her mental health and that leaving was medically necessary.
Just wanted to add that if you do get denied initially, don't give up. The appeals process exists for a reason and many people who get denied the first time are approved on appeal.
It is overwhelming but you're not alone. Lots of people have been in your situation and gotten through it.
Exactly. And remember that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier can help if you need to talk to Washington ESD during the process. Don't suffer in silence trying to get through on the phone.
I used Claimyr last month to get through to Washington ESD about a different issue and they were super helpful. If anyone is having trouble reaching them about tax documents or benefit verification, definitely worth trying. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.
One more thing - if you received unemployment benefits but also had other income during the year, make sure you understand how it all works together. My accountant said the UI benefits could affect things like retirement account contribution limits and other tax planning strategies.
Another vote for Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about the appeal process. I used them when I was confused about deadlines and they connected me right away. Much less stressful than trying to navigate the phone system yourself.
Last piece of advice - submit your appeal as early as possible within that 30-day window. Don't wait until the last minute in case there are any technical issues with the submission.
Remember you can also appeal any determination if you disagree with Washington ESD's decision. You have 30 days from the date of any notice to file an appeal. Hopefully you won't need that information but it's good to know your rights.
Last thing - when you do your weekly claims, be completely honest about any work you do or money you earn, even if it's just a few hours. Washington ESD will find out eventually and it's better to report it upfront than deal with an overpayment later.
Romeo Quest
Random question but does anyone know if the Washington ESD building downtown is the same one they used in 1982? Went there last week and it definitely looks old enough.
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Eve Freeman
•Wait, you can actually go there in person? I thought everything was online now.
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Romeo Quest
•You can go but they barely help with anything. Told me to call the phone number like everyone else.
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Clarissa Flair
The real lesson from 1982 is that Washington's economy is vulnerable to national recessions because we're so dependent on a few major industries. Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon - if any of those tank we're in trouble.
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Caden Turner
•At least we're more diversified now than in 82. Back then it was basically Boeing, lumber, and agriculture.
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McKenzie Shade
•True but tech companies can lay off thousands at once now. In 82 the layoffs were more gradual.
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