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One last thing - if you do file a claim and then find work quickly, make sure you report your return to work immediately. Don't keep certifying for benefits once you're employed again, even if it's just part-time work that pays less than your benefits.
Hopefully you won't need any of this information and your job will be secure! But it's smart to understand your options just in case. Good luck with everything!
My appeal took exactly 7 weeks from hearing to decision letter. Got approved and received about $4,200 in back pay. The wait was worth it but definitely nerve-wracking.
Last piece of advice - don't take it personally when the system seems to be working against you. It's not designed to be user-friendly and the staff at Washington ESD are dealing with huge caseloads. Stay calm and professional in all your interactions.
Good luck with everything! Unemployment is never fun but at least there's a safety net to help you get back on your feet. Hope you find a new job quickly and don't have to deal with this system for too long.
Been getting unemployment for 8 weeks now and I can tell you the calculation was exactly what someone earlier said - highest quarter divided by 26. Mine came out to $684 per week which is way more than I expected based on my annual salary.
Thanks everyone for all the help! I think I have a much better understanding now. Going to gather my wage info and file this week. Really appreciate all the detailed explanations and tips about getting through to Washington ESD if I need help.
Good luck with your claim! Feel free to post back here if you run into any issues during the application process.
Definitely keep that Claimyr option in mind if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Their phone system is notorious for being impossible to get through otherwise.
Lucas Parker
Just to summarize for anyone skimming - max weekly benefit is $1,019, you need about $61K in your highest quarter to qualify, benefits last up to 26 weeks, and you can add $25/week for dependents. The amount is updated annually.
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Jade Lopez
•Perfect summary, thanks! This thread has been really helpful for understanding the benefit structure.
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Donna Cline
•Agreed, lots of good info here. Bookmarking this thread in case I need to reference it later.
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Harper Collins
The hardest part isn't figuring out how much you'll get - it's actually getting approved and navigating all the Washington ESD requirements. Make sure you understand the job search requirements and weekly claim process before you file.
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Jade Lopez
•Any specific tips for the weekly claims? I've heard they're pretty detailed.
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Harper Collins
•Keep detailed records of your job search activities. You need to log 3 job contacts per week and they can audit your records at any time. Also be accurate about any work or income - even small amounts need to be reported.
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