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honestly the biggest truth about seasonal unemployment is that the process is exactly the same but way more frustrating because you KNOW you'll be working again soon but still have to pretend like you're permanently unemployed and actively seeking any job. makes no sense but that's the system
Quick tip for anyone filing seasonal unemployment claims - if you run into problems with your application or need to speak to someone at Washington ESD, don't just keep calling the main number over and over. There are services like Claimyr that can actually get you through to a real person without spending hours on hold. Worth checking out their website if you get stuck.
The key thing is just getting started. The longer you wait, the more benefits you potentially lose since they don't backdate to when you became unemployed, only to when you applied.
Last tip - keep a notebook or folder with all your unemployment stuff. You'll get a lot of paperwork and it helps to stay organized.
The maximum weekly benefit amount goes up slightly each year based on the state's average weekly wage. For 2025 it's $999/week, but you'd need to have been making around $130k/year to qualify for the maximum.
If anyone's still confused about the calculation, there's a benefit calculator on the ESD website that can give you an estimate. Not 100% accurate but gives you a ballpark figure.
Thanks for asking this question OP! I'm in a similar boat and this thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about my eligibility now.
Final piece of advice - don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about anything during the process. Washington ESD agents can be helpful once you actually get through to them. And like others mentioned, services like Claimyr can help with that if you're having trouble with the phone lines.
Emma Thompson
Glad it helped you too! This community is awesome for getting real answers about Washington ESD stuff.
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Malik Davis
Always happy to help people navigate the unemployment system. It's confusing enough without having to figure it out alone.
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