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Make sure you understand your benefit calculation before you start certifying for weekly benefits. If there are errors it's easier to fix them early rather than dealing with overpayment issues later.
Thanks everyone for all the info! This thread has been super helpful in understanding how Washington ESD calculates benefits. I feel much less confused now about my monetary determination.
If you do end up needing to contact Washington ESD and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr thing really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me so much frustration. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort things out.
Good luck with your claim! The first time is always the most confusing but you'll figure it out. Just take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
For what it's worth, I qualified for close to the maximum ($920/week) and the process was pretty smooth once I got my initial claim approved. The hardest part was just getting through to someone when I had questions.
Bottom line: $999/week maximum, 26 weeks duration, based on your highest earning quarters. Most people won't get the max but it's there if your wages qualify. And yes, it's taxable income so plan accordingly!
The fact that you're asking these questions and being careful about understanding the requirements shows you're taking it seriously. That's exactly the right approach. Washington ESD appreciates claimants who follow the rules and do things properly.
One last thing - if you end up needing to call Washington ESD for any reason and can't get through, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit. I used it when my claim got stuck and needed to speak to an adjudicator. Worth checking out claimyr.com if you hit any roadblocks.
Ravi Sharma
One thing that helped me was calling the Washington ESD customer service line before I started the application. They walked me through what documents I needed and gave me some tips on filling it out correctly.
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Ravi Sharma
•It took several tries but I eventually got through. Try calling right when they open at 8 AM - that's when you have the best chance.
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Zainab Ismail
•Or use Claimyr like I mentioned before. Much easier than trying to time your calls perfectly and still probably not getting through.
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NebulaNomad
Just want to add that after you submit your initial application, you'll get instructions on how to file your weekly claims. Don't ignore those emails or letters - you need to file every single week to keep your benefits active.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•Are the weekly claims as complicated as the initial application?
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NebulaNomad
•No, they're much simpler. Just a few questions about your work search activities and any money you earned that week. Takes about 5 minutes.
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