


Ask the community...
UPDATE: I just finished filing my initial claim! Took about 40 minutes like someone mentioned earlier. The website was pretty straightforward and I got a confirmation number. Thanks everyone for pushing me to do it today instead of waiting!
One more tip - make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. Your weekly amount is what you get each week, but your maximum is the total you can receive over the entire claim period.
The benefit amount also depends on when you file your claim because Washington ESD updates the maximum weekly benefit amount each year. Make sure you're looking at current year numbers, not outdated info from previous years.
Success story: waited 8 weeks for hearing, won my appeal, got $3200 in backpay. Keep all your documentation organized and don't give up. The system is slow but it can work in your favor.
Final thought - while you're waiting, keep looking for work and document your job search activities. Even if you win the appeal, you'll need to show you've been actively searching.
Samantha Johnson
For anyone dealing with ongoing payment issues, it helps to document everything - screenshot your claim status, payment history, bank statements, etc. Makes it easier when you do get through to Washington ESD to resolve problems.
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Nick Kravitz
•This is smart advice. I learned this the hard way when I had an overpayment issue last year.
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Samantha Johnson
•Exactly! Having all your documentation ready makes those phone calls go so much smoother.
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Hannah White
seems like this was a widespread issue this week. good to know it wasn't just me going crazy checking my bank account constantly
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Emma Bianchi
•Same! I was starting to think I messed something up on my weekly claim.
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Hannah White
•nope just washington esd being washington esd lol
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