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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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Ava Williams
Best of luck with everything! Being laid off close to retirement is stressful, but at least you have options and some financial support while you figure things out.
Thank you! This thread has been really helpful. Feel much better about the whole situation now.
Gianna Scott
I went through something similar when I was laid off from Microsoft at 63. One thing I discovered that might help is that Washington state also has the SharedWork program - it's basically partial unemployment if you find part-time work. This could be perfect for your situation since you're planning to retire in a few years anyway. You can work reduced hours and still collect partial unemployment benefits to make up some of the difference. Might be worth looking into as an option between full unemployment and full-time work.
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Paolo Ricci
I'm going through a similar situation right now - had my appeal hearing two weeks ago for a "voluntary quit" determination that was completely wrong (I was actually constructively dismissed). The anxiety while waiting for the decision is absolutely brutal, especially when you're financially stretched thin like you are. From what I've gathered talking to others who've been through this, the timeline really varies but most people seem to get their decision within 2-3 weeks of the hearing. One thing that's helped me stay sane during the wait is knowing that even if there are delays, as long as you keep filing your weekly claims, you'll get backpay for all those weeks if the judge rules in your favor. Hang in there - it sounds like you were well-prepared for your hearing with documentation, which is huge. The fact that you felt it went well is a good sign. I know it's easier said than done, but try to stay positive while we both wait for our decisions!
Amina Sy
•Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's weirdly comforting to know someone else is going through the exact same situation right now. "Constructive dismissal" - that's exactly what happened to me too, but trying to explain that to ESD initially was like talking to a brick wall. The whole "voluntary quit" determination when you're basically forced out is so frustrating. You're absolutely right about keeping up with the weekly claims - I've been religious about filing them even though it feels pointless when everything shows as denied. But knowing that backpay covers all those weeks if we win definitely helps with the anxiety a bit. I really hope we both get good news soon! The waiting really is the worst part, especially when every day that passes means more financial stress. Fingers crossed for both of us! 🤞
I'm in a very similar boat - had my appeal hearing 6 days ago for a "job abandonment" determination that was completely bogus (I had to leave due to unsafe working conditions and documented everything). The waiting is absolutely killing me too, especially when you're running on financial fumes like we are. One thing my former coworker mentioned that might help with the anxiety - she said to think of it this way: if your hearing went well and you had good documentation, the judge probably already knows which way they're leaning. The delay is usually just administrative processing and getting the written decision properly formatted, not the judge still deliberating your case. I've been checking my mailbox obsessively every day since Thursday. Really hoping we both get some good news this week! The fact that you felt confident about how your hearing went is definitely encouraging. Stay strong! 💪
Thank you for sharing! It's so reassuring to know I'm not the only one going through this right now. "Job abandonment" when you had to leave for safety reasons - that's exactly the kind of nonsense these initial determinations come up with. It's like they don't even read the actual circumstances. Your coworker's perspective is really helpful - you're probably right that the judge likely made their decision during or right after the hearing, and now it's just the bureaucratic paperwork process. I keep reminding myself that I presented solid evidence and the employer's story had holes in it, so logically I should be okay. But logic doesn't always calm the anxiety when you're stressed about money! 6 days since your hearing - you might hear something this week then! I'm at 5 days now and obsessively checking the mail too. Here's hoping we both get our favorable decisions soon and can finally breathe again. Thanks for the encouragement! 🤞
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Quick question - does anyone know if the 26 weeks includes holidays when ESD offices are closed? Like do those weeks still count against your total?
NebulaNinja
•The 26 weeks is based on benefit weeks claimed, not calendar weeks. So if ESD processing is delayed due to holidays, it doesn't count against your total as long as you file your weekly claim on time.
Ravi Sharma
Thanks everyone for the clear info. This is exactly what I needed to know about Washington unemployment duration. Way more helpful than trying to navigate the ESD website!
Glad this thread helped! Good luck with your job search.
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I'm in a similar situation at week 22 and have been researching this extensively. From what I've found, Washington's current unemployment rate is around 4.2%, which is well below the 6.5% threshold needed to trigger Extended Benefits. I called ESD last week (took forever to get through) and they confirmed no extension programs are currently active. However, they did mention that if you're enrolled in an approved training program through WorkSource, you might be eligible for Training Benefits which could extend your claim. It's worth looking into if you're willing to upskill or retrain. Also, make sure you're documenting everything for your job search - they've been doing more audits lately and you need solid proof of your weekly activities. Hang in there, the job market is brutal but people are finding work eventually.
Omar Zaki
•@Sophia Rodriguez That s'super helpful info about the training benefits! I had no idea that was even an option. Do you happen to know if there s'a minimum duration for the training program to qualify? I m'curious whether shorter certification programs like (3-6 month bootcamps would) count or if they re'looking for longer programs. Also wondering about the application process - do you apply for the training benefits before starting the program or after you re'already enrolled? This could really be a lifeline if I can find something that aligns with my career pivot goals.
@Sophia Rodriguez This is really valuable information, thank you! I m'definitely going to look into the Training Benefits option - that could be exactly what I need to bridge the gap. Do you remember if they mentioned anything about the approval process for training programs? I m'wondering if I need to get pre-approval from ESD before enrolling or if certain programs are automatically qualified. Also, when you called ESD, did they give you any sense of whether they expect the unemployment situation to change anytime soon? I know they probably can t'predict the future, but I m'curious if there are any economic indicators they re'watching that might trigger Extended Benefits later this year. Thanks again for sharing what you learned!
Emma Wilson
I'm in week 21 and facing the same anxiety about what happens after 26 weeks. From everything I've read in this thread and my own research, it seems like Extended Benefits are really unlikely unless we see a major economic downturn. The 4.2% unemployment rate that Sophia mentioned is nowhere near the trigger levels. I've been trying to get through to ESD for weeks to get official confirmation about my options, but the wait times are ridiculous. Has anyone had success with that Claimyr service that's been mentioned a few times? I'm getting desperate enough to pay for help just to talk to an actual human at ESD. Also really interested in learning more about those Training Benefits - that might be my best shot at extending things if I can find a relevant program. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with job search rejection after rejection.
The Boss
when i had my worksource thing I showed up to the office in person after not getting emails. turns out they had my email wrong by ONE letter! maybe check if your contact info is correct on file too just to be safe for next time
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CosmicCadet
•That's such a good point! I should definitely double-check all my contact info with both ESD and WorkSource to make sure everything is current. One wrong letter could explain so many missed communications. Thanks for the tip!
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Cedric Chung
Glad everything worked out! This is exactly why it's so important to document everything and keep trying to reach them. For anyone else reading this - if you ever have technical issues with WorkSource appointments, don't just assume it's on your end. Their system does have glitches sometimes, and the staff are usually understanding when you can show you made a good faith effort to attend. Keep those call logs and screenshots handy!
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Marcus Patterson
•Absolutely agree! This thread shows how helpful this community can be when people share their experiences. I'm new here but dealing with similar ESD issues, and seeing how @Sophia Russo got help and resolved her situation gives me hope. The advice about documenting everything and being persistent really resonates - it seems like that s'the key to navigating these bureaucratic challenges successfully.
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