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Just wanted to add that if you're in a union, check with them too. Sometimes they have additional resources or can help with the unemployment process.
dont give up! i have a phd and was unemployed for almost a year but finally found something. it takes longer but the education does help eventually
The data is pretty clear that higher education levels correspond with lower unemployment rates, but there can be temporary periods where highly educated people face unique challenges in the job market.
One more thing - if you do get approved, make sure you understand the weekly claim filing requirements. You have to certify every week that you're able and available for work and actively searching. Missing a weekly claim can cause payment delays.
Bottom line: being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment in Washington. The misconduct standard is pretty specific and requires willful violation of company policy after clear warnings. File your claim, be honest about what happened, and let them investigate. You might be surprised by the outcome!
Update: Just wanted to let everyone know my payment showed up this morning! Took exactly 2 business days after 'payment released' showed on my Washington ESD account. Thanks for all the helpful info.
Lucy Lam
The work search requirement trips up a lot of people. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. Even if you're on temporary layoff, you still need to search unless you have a specific return date within 4 weeks.
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Lucy Lam
•Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events. Has to be stuff that could reasonably lead to employment.
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Aidan Hudson
•And you have to keep records of everything - company names, contacts, dates, method of contact. Washington ESD can audit your job search at any time.
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Zoe Wang
I had success getting through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. The agent walked me through exactly why I was denied and what I needed to do to fix it. Way better than trying to decipher the confusing denial letter on my own.
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Logan Greenburg
•I'm starting to think I need to talk to an actual person about this instead of guessing what went wrong.
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Zoe Wang
•Definitely worth it. The denial letters are written in confusing bureaucratic language. An agent can explain it in plain English and tell you exactly what to do next.
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