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Just to echo what others have said - file your claim now! Even if you're not 100% sure you qualify, let Washington ESD make that determination. You can't get benefits retroactively for weeks before you file.
One thing to remember is that you'll need to start looking for work and documenting your job search activities once your claim is approved. Washington ESD has specific requirements for how many jobs you need to apply for each week.
One more consideration - if your severance puts you over the income threshold for any other assistance programs you might be eligible for, factor that into your decision. But from a pure Washington ESD unemployment perspective, you should be fine to take both.
Does anyone know if seasonal work affects partial unemployment eligibility? My hours are reduced partly because it's the slow season for our business.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm feeling much more confident about applying now. Going to gather my pay stubs this weekend and start the application process on Monday.
Watch out for scam websites that look like the official Washington ESD site. Always make sure you're on esd.wa.gov - there are fake sites that try to steal your info.
One last tip - after you file, you should get an email confirmation and can check your claim status online. Don't keep calling if everything looks normal. The automated system updates regularly and is usually more current than what phone agents can see.
Amaya Watson
COVID unemployment was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Don't expect anything like that again unless there's another global pandemic. But regular benefits should still help you get by while job hunting.
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Sophie Footman
•Makes sense. I'm just glad there's something available while I look for work.
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Amaya Watson
•Exactly the right attitude. Use it as a bridge to your next opportunity, not a long-term solution.
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Grant Vikers
One more thing - if you run into any problems with your claim, don't wait around hoping it fixes itself. The sooner you address issues with Washington ESD, the faster they get resolved. I learned this the hard way.
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Grant Vikers
•Good luck! Hope your claim goes through smoothly. Most do if you have straightforward employment history.
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Skylar Neal
•And remember, if you need to reach Washington ESD quickly for any reason, that Claimyr service is there as an option. Much better than the endless phone runaround most people experience.
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