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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.
Bottom line: you should be fine moving to Oregon while collecting Washington ESD benefits. Just follow the rules, keep looking for work, and file your weekly claims on time. Thousands of people do this every year.
Just wanted to add that if you do run into any problems with your claim after moving, don't panic. Most issues can be resolved with a phone call to Washington ESD, though getting through can be challenging. Document everything and be persistent.
For anyone still reading this thread, here's the basic timeline I've experienced consistently: File weekly claim Sunday → Washington ESD processes Monday/Tuesday → Payment sent Tuesday/Wednesday → Money in account Wednesday/Thursday (depending on your bank).
Just adding my experience - I use a small local bank and consistently get my UI payments on Wednesday afternoons. My sister uses Chase and gets hers Wednesday mornings. So even with different banks, it's still pretty predictable.
If you're still unsure about your eligibility, there's an earnings threshold calculator on the Washington ESD website that can help you estimate whether you qualify based on your work history.
Bottom line - with 8 months at one job plus 4 months at another, you've almost certainly earned enough to qualify for Washington unemployment benefits. Don't stress too much about it, just file your claim and let them determine your eligibility officially.
Jade Lopez
One last tip - keep detailed records of your work hours and earnings. If Washington ESD ever questions your claim, you'll want documentation to back up what you reported on your weekly claims.
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Kaylee Cook
•Great advice! I'll start keeping better track of my pay stubs and schedules.
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Tony Brooks
•Screenshots of your work schedule are helpful too if your employer uses an online scheduling system.
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Ella rollingthunder87
The system isn't perfect but partial unemployment definitely helped me get through a tough period when my hours were cut. Just be patient with the process and keep filing those weekly claims!
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Kaylee Cook
•Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more confident about applying now.
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Yara Campbell
•Good luck! The partial benefits really do help bridge the gap when your income gets reduced like that.
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