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Ask the community...

  • DO post questions about your issues.
  • DO answer questions and support each other.
  • DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
  • DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)

Lena Schultz

If fired are you eligible for unemployment in Washington - need to know my options

Got terminated from my job yesterday and I'm trying to figure out if I can even apply for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. My supervisor said it was for performance issues but honestly I think they just wanted to get rid of me because I complained about safety violations. Does being fired automatically disqualify you from getting UI benefits? I've been working there for 2 years and never had any write-ups until last month when they suddenly started documenting everything. Really stressed about how I'm going to pay rent next month.

One last tip - save copies of everything you submit to ESD and keep records of all your interactions with them. If you end up needing to appeal or if there are any disputes later, having your own documentation is invaluable.

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Will do! I'm starting a whole folder just for this unemployment claim process.

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Smart move. Organization is your friend when dealing with any government agency.

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Just to add one more success story to the mix - I got fired from my warehouse job for 'safety violations' (aka refusing to work in unsafe conditions) and not only did I get UI benefits, but the state also investigated my former employer. Sometimes standing up for yourself pays off in the long run.

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That's inspiring! I hope my situation works out similarly. The safety issues at my job were really serious.

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Don't let them push you around. Workers have rights for a reason. Good luck with your claim!

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Benjamin Johnson

Can I collect unemployment if I get laid off from my Washington job?

My company just announced they're doing layoffs next month and I'm probably going to be affected. I've been working there for almost 2 years full-time. This would be my first time ever filing for unemployment benefits. Can I collect unemployment if I get laid off? What do I need to do to apply with Washington ESD? I'm really stressed about this whole situation and don't know where to start.

good luck with everything! layoffs are never fun but at least you know your options now

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Thank you! Feeling much more confident about handling this situation now.

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Been there myself. The anticipation is often worse than the actual process. Once you get your claim filed and approved, the weekly routine becomes pretty manageable.

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That's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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Mohammad Khaled

Can per diem employees collect unemployment benefits in Washington?

I've been working as a per diem nurse at three different hospitals for the past 18 months. My hours have been really inconsistent - some weeks I get 40+ hours, other weeks maybe 15-20, and sometimes nothing at all. One of the hospitals just told me they're cutting way back on per diem shifts due to budget issues. Can I file for unemployment with Washington ESD even though I'm technically still employed at the other two places? I'm confused about how this works with per diem status since we don't have guaranteed hours.

I tried filing for partial unemployment as per diem last year and got denied initially. Had to appeal and it took forever to get resolved.

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They said I was still employed and didn't meet the criteria for partial benefits. Had to prove that my hours were cut involuntarily and significantly.

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This is exactly why being able to talk to someone at Washington ESD makes such a difference. Appeals can be avoided if you can explain your situation properly from the start.

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Good luck OP! Per diem unemployment claims are definitely possible but you need to be persistent and organized with your documentation.

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Thanks everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now.

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Just remember to keep detailed records going forward too. Makes future claims much easier if this happens again.

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Zainab Ismail

What are the unemployment benefits available through Washington ESD?

I just lost my job last week and I'm completely lost about what unemployment benefits I can get in Washington. I've never filed before and honestly don't even know where to start. What types of benefits does Washington ESD offer? Is it just the weekly payments or are there other programs I should know about? I'm worried I'm missing out on something important while I figure this all out.

For anyone who's self-employed or worked as a contractor, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits now too. The rules changed in recent years to include more types of workers. Worth checking even if you think you don't qualify.

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I drove for rideshare companies - would that count?

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Possibly! If you were classified as an independent contractor but should have been an employee, or if you paid into unemployment insurance, you might qualify. The rules are complicated so it's worth applying and letting Washington ESD make the determination.

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One more thing - keep track of EVERYTHING. Save all your emails from Washington ESD, keep copies of your weekly claim confirmations, screenshot your account status regularly. If something goes wrong (and it probably will at some point), you'll need documentation to prove what happened.

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Thanks for all the advice everyone! This has been super helpful. I'm going to file my claim today.

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Good luck! And remember, the first few weeks are always the most confusing. It gets easier once you understand the system and get into a routine with the weekly claims.

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Yuki Yamamoto

How long do you have to work for a company to get unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits. I worked at my last job for about 8 months before getting laid off. Is that long enough to collect unemployment in Washington? I heard there's a minimum amount of time you have to work but I can't find clear info on the Washington ESD website. My friend said you need to work for at least a year but that doesn't sound right. Anyone know the actual requirements?

This has been a really informative thread. I learned a lot about the Washington ESD requirements that I didn't know before. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

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Agreed! This community is really helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

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Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you should have no problems qualifying. The hardest part is usually just navigating the system and getting through to someone when you need help.

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Thanks! If I need to call Washington ESD and can't get through, I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service that was mentioned.

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It's definitely worth it if you're having trouble reaching them. Saved me so much time and stress.

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