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This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation with contract work and was afraid to file for unemployment. Now I feel confident about doing it the right way.
One last tip - if you're unsure about anything, it's better to ask Washington ESD directly rather than guess. Getting wrong information from online forums (even well-meaning advice) can sometimes lead to problems with your claim.
Final thought - start looking for new jobs now while you still have income. Even if you qualify for unemployment, it's only a portion of your wages and it's temporary. The sooner you can find new employment, the better off you'll be.
Thanks everyone for all the advice. This has been really informative. I hope I don't need to use any of this information, but at least I know what to expect now if the worst happens.
Just wanted to add - if your claim gets flagged for adjudication (which happens pretty commonly), don't panic. It just means they need to review something about your claim manually. It can take a few weeks but most claims do get approved eventually. The key is staying on top of your weekly filings even during adjudication.
Usually it's things like conflicting information about why you left your job, wage discrepancies, or if you've filed claims in multiple states recently. Sometimes it's just random quality control checks.
My claim went to adjudication and I tried calling Washington ESD for weeks to find out why. Finally used Claimyr to get through and the agent explained it was just a routine review. Got approved the next week.
One last tip - print out or screenshot your confirmation page after you submit your application. Keep that confirmation number handy. You'll need it if you have to call Washington ESD about your claim status.
If you need help immediately, most counties have emergency assistance programs while you wait for unemployment to kick in. Might be worth looking into.
JaylinCharles
Just wanted to say good luck with your claim! I was in a similar situation last year and it worked out fine. The stress of not knowing is awful but try to stay positive. Washington ESD is pretty fair about these things when it's clearly not misconduct.
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Nora Brooks
•Thank you! Everyone here has been so helpful and encouraging. I'm feeling much more confident about filing now.
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JaylinCharles
•That's what this community is for! We've all been through the unemployment process and know how scary it can be.
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Eloise Kendrick
One more thing - when you do your weekly claims, make sure you're honest about looking for work and meeting the job search requirements. That's separate from your eligibility issue but you need to keep up with it once you're approved.
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Nora Brooks
•Good reminder. What are the current job search requirements? I haven't been on unemployment before.
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Eloise Kendrick
•You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. There are details on the Washington ESD website about what counts as a valid job search activity.
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