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Just filed my claim yesterday and used the benefit estimator. With my wages from tech job should get around $850/week. Now just waiting for adjudication to complete so payments can start.
If adjudication is taking too long, that's another good time to use something like Claimyr to reach an agent and check on status
One more thing - if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, Washington ESD has a formula for how that affects your weekly benefit. You can earn up to about $200 without any reduction, then they start deducting from your benefit amount.
Update from my situation - I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and finally got through to talk to an agent about my claim. Turns out there was just a simple verification issue holding things up. Wish I'd known about it sooner instead of calling for weeks.
Bottom line: file your claim regardless of how you lost your job. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised and get approved.
Washington state = 26 weeks max. Period. No current extensions. Use the time wisely and don't count on anything beyond those 6 months. Also set up your job search tracking system early - Washington ESD can audit your activities at any time.
Since you mentioned budgeting - remember your unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay quarterly/annually. Factor that into your 6-month financial planning.
Don't forget about the job search requirements once you start collecting benefits. You'll need to actively look for work and document your job search activities.
Good luck with your application! It sounds like you have a decent chance of qualifying based on your previous W-2 work. Just be patient with the process and keep all your documentation organized.
Fiona Sand
Good luck OP! The process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started. Just be patient because everything with ESD takes longer than you'd expect.
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Savannah Weiner
•Thanks! I'm going to gather all my documents today and file this weekend.
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Mohammad Khaled
One final tip - create your eServices account first before starting the application. It'll save you time and you'll use that account for your weekly claims too.
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Savannah Weiner
•Great advice! I'll do that first step today.
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