
Washington Unemployment
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Ask the community...
I applied for SSDI about 8 months ago and still haven't heard back. My doctor says I can't do my old construction job anymore due to back injuries, but I might be able to do some lighter work while waiting for the disability determination. Can I file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD in the meantime? I'm really struggling financially and not sure what my options are. Has anyone been in this situation before?
I just started filing my weekly claims with Washington ESD and I'm confused about the job search requirements. The website mentions I need to do job searches but doesn't clearly state how many per week. I've been applying to maybe 2-3 jobs each week but I'm worried that's not enough. Does anyone know the exact number required? I don't want my benefits to get cut off because I'm not meeting the requirements.
I was skeptical about paying for help with Washington ESD calls, but after trying Claimyr I have to admit it works. Got connected to someone who answered all my questions about job search requirements and even helped me understand my eligibility review. Sometimes it's worth paying for efficiency.
For anyone still confused, I called WorkSourceWA (which is free) and they confirmed the 3 job search activities per week requirement. They also offered to help me with my job search strategy which was nice.
I submitted my unemployment appeal to Washington ESD about 6 weeks ago after they denied my initial claim. The hearing was scheduled and completed 3 weeks ago, but I still haven't received any decision from the administrative law judge. My savings are running out and I'm getting really anxious about when I'll hear back. Has anyone else experienced long delays after their unemployment appeal hearing? What's the typical timeframe for getting a decision?
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.
I just accepted a full-time position that starts Monday and I want to make sure I properly end my unemployment benefits. Do I need to call Washington ESD or can I just stop filing my weekly claims? I don't want to accidentally create an overpayment situation or mess up my account for future use. What's the correct way to close out my claim?
I used Claimyr twice when I had issues with my claim and it worked great both times. Really worth it if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD but can't get through normally. The waiting and busy signals are ridiculous.
The most important thing is don't overthink it. File your final claim honestly, report your return to work, and let the system do its job. Washington ESD's automated processes work pretty well for straightforward situations like this.
I just started collecting unemployment after being laid off from my retail job last month. I'm wondering if Washington ESD contacts my former employer every single week while I'm filing my weekly claims? I left on good terms but I don't want them getting bothered constantly by the state checking up on my claim status. Does anyone know how often Washington ESD actually reaches out to employers during a regular UI claim?
Bottom line: unless there's a problem with your claim, your employer probably won't hear from Washington ESD after the initial verification. The system is set up to be as hands-off as possible for routine claims.
Miguel Ortiz
One final thought - even if you get approved for unemployment, keep pushing on the disability claim too. Having both processes moving forward gives you the best chance of maintaining some income during this difficult period.
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Ava Rodriguez
AuthorDefinitely. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much more confident about moving forward with the unemployment application now.
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Ravi Gupta
Best of luck with everything! This situation is stressful enough without worrying about having no income. Hope both your claims work out soon.
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Ava Rodriguez
AuthorThank you! Really appreciate all the support and information from everyone here.
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