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Your benefit amount stays the same for your entire benefit year even if you get a different job and then become unemployed again within that year. So if you calculate $300/week now, that's what you'd get even if you worked somewhere else briefly.
Just file online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). The system will calculate your benefit amount automatically based on your wage history from employers. You don't need to figure it out yourself beforehand.
The hardest part isn't calculating the benefits, it's actually getting through to ESD when you have questions. I spent hours on hold trying to clarify my benefit amount. Finally used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes.
Bottom line - at $700/week you're looking at probably $350-400 per week in unemployment benefits, maybe a bit more with the dependency allowance. File as soon as you're laid off and keep good records of your job search. The system works even if it's not perfect.
One last thing - if you do end up applying and your claim gets stuck in adjudication or you have questions about your eligibility determination, don't just wait around hoping it resolves itself. Contact Washington ESD as soon as possible to get it sorted out.
And if you can't get through to them on the phone (which is super common), that's exactly when services like Claimyr are worth it. Sometimes adjudication issues can be resolved quickly once you actually talk to someone.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much better about my situation now. Sounds like I probably would qualify if I do get laid off, and I know what steps to take if that happens. Really appreciate all the advice and information.
Make sure you file your weekly claim every week even if you haven't heard back about your initial application. I made the mistake of not filing for a few weeks and it caused problems later.
One more thing - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication, don't panic. It's pretty common and usually just means they need to verify some information. But it can take several weeks to resolve, so be patient.
Or use that Claimyr service to actually talk to someone about what's holding up your claim. I was in adjudication for 6 weeks before I finally got through to an agent who explained what documents they needed.
GalaxyGlider
One more thing - if you do miss the interview and get denied, make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while you appeal. If you win the appeal, you'll get backpay for all those weeks.
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Dylan Campbell
•Wait, I should keep filing even if I get denied? I thought you had to stop filing once you're denied.
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GalaxyGlider
•Nope, keep filing. It preserves your right to those weeks if your appeal is successful. Just make sure you're still meeting all the requirements like job searching.
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Malik Robinson
UPDATE: I was able to reschedule! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was really helpful and moved my interview to next week. Thanks everyone for the advice!
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Isabella Silva
•This gives me hope. I've been trying to reach them about my own adjudication for days with no luck.
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Malik Robinson
•Definitely try the service if you're having trouble getting through. It's worth it just for the peace of mind.
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