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Update for anyone still following - I filed my claim this morning right after reading this thread. The whole process took about 45 minutes and I got a confirmation number. Now I just need to wait for them to review it and let me know about my first weekly claim filing date.
One last tip - if you're still employed but you know a layoff is coming, you can't file until your actual last day of work. Washington ESD won't accept claims for future unemployment, only current unemployment. But file that same day if possible.
just wanted to add that you should also be prepared for the interview process if Washington ESD needs to verify any information about your employment or separation from work
Good thread! Lots of useful information here. I wish Washington ESD made all this clearer on their website instead of people having to piece it together from forum discussions.
That's exactly why I ended up using claimyr to talk to an actual person. Sometimes you just need someone to explain it in plain English.
one more thing if you do get denied dont give up the appeal process actually works if you have a legitimate case like yours sounds like it is
Best of luck with your claim! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you, especially for performance issues. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, which sounds like your situation.
Thanks for posting this question OP. I didn't even realize business owners could potentially qualify for unemployment. This thread has been really educational.
Final word of advice - if you do this, don't try to restart paying yourself wages while on unemployment without reporting it properly. Washington ESD will find out and you could face overpayment issues.
Zara Mirza
The whole system is designed to discourage people from quitting even when they have legitimate reasons. But if you really do have good cause and can prove it, don't let them intimidate you out of applying.
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StardustSeeker
•Thanks, that's encouraging. I was starting to think it was hopeless if you quit for any reason.
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Paolo Marino
•It's definitely an uphill battle but not impossible. The key is solid documentation and understanding exactly what constitutes good cause under Washington law.
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StardustSeeker
Thanks everyone for all the advice. I think my next step is going to be documenting everything better and maybe using that Claimyr service to get some official guidance from ESD before I make any decisions. At least now I know what I'm getting into.
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Paolo Marino
•Good luck with whatever you decide. Just remember to keep detailed records of everything that happens from here on out.
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Natasha Petrova
•Let us know how it goes with ESD if you do call them. Always helpful to hear how these situations work out.
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