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Just remember to have all your info ready when you do get through - claim number, SSN, dates, etc. Nothing worse than finally reaching an agent and then fumbling around looking for paperwork.
Washington ESD really needs to hire more phone staff. It's 2025 and we still can't get through to unemployment offices. Ridiculous.
The whole system needs an overhaul. Thank god for services like Claimyr that actually work.
For what it's worth, I think the term 'frictional unemployment' actually makes it sound worse than it is. It's really just the normal time it takes to find a good job match. When I was between positions last year, I used that time to be more selective about my next role rather than just taking the first thing available.
Bottom line: Washington ESD doesn't care what type of unemployment you have as long as you meet their requirements. File your weekly claims, do your job search activities, and be available for work. The economic terminology is just for understanding labor market trends, not for individual claim processing.
Word of warning - even if you qualify for maximum benefits, you can still get disqualified later if you mess up the weekly claims or job search requirements. Stay on top of the ongoing requirements!
thanks everyone this thread has been super helpful. sounds like i should qualify for close to the maximum based on my wages. now i just need to get through the application process without any issues
And remember, if you run into any issues that require talking to an agent, services like Claimyr can save you a lot of time and frustration with the phone system.
Great discussion everyone. The main takeaways for new employers: 1) Respond to Washington ESD notices within 10 days, 2) Keep good employment records, 3) Contest invalid claims to protect your experience rating, 4) Use the online system when possible, 5) Appeal if you disagree with decisions. Washington ESD isn't perfect but the system works if you understand it.
And remember, if you do need to reach Washington ESD by phone for complex issues, services like Claimyr can save you hours of hold time. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human to get things sorted out properly.
Carmen Vega
Been through this process myself and the hardest part was actually reaching someone at Washington ESD to explain my situation. The phone system is a nightmare and online messages often go unanswered for weeks. If you do file a claim after resigning, be prepared for a lot of frustration trying to communicate with them.
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NeonNebula
•That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. It really does help with getting through to ESD agents when you need to discuss your claim status or provide additional information. Worth the peace of mind when you're dealing with something this stressful.
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Carmen Vega
•Wish I had known about that service when I was going through my adjudication. Would have saved me weeks of stress wondering what was happening with my claim.
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QuantumQuester
Bottom line - you can potentially qualify for unemployment after resigning, but it's an uphill battle. The burden of proof is on you to show good cause, and Washington ESD tends to be conservative in their approvals. Make sure you have a strong case with solid documentation before you take that leap.
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Chloe Robinson
•Thanks everyone for all the detailed advice. This gives me a much better understanding of what I'd be facing. I'm going to document everything more thoroughly before making any decisions.
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Diego Chavez
•Smart approach. Take your time to build the strongest possible case if you do decide to proceed. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
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