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Reading through all this, it sounds like you have a solid case for appeal. Laid off due to reduced hours, have documentation, worked for 8 months at decent wages. I'd be surprised if you don't win the appeal.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I really appreciate the support. Going to file my appeal and keep my fingers crossed. Will update this thread once I hear back from Washington ESD.
Hope it works out for you! If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD during the process, that Claimyr service I mentioned really does help with getting through.
My advice would be to start documenting everything NOW, see if you can talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation, and maybe consult with an employment attorney. Don't just quit and hope for the best. Having a plan will give you the best chance of success.
Just want to mention that while 26 weeks is the standard, during certain economic downturns there have been federal extensions available. But don't count on those - they're not guaranteed and depend on federal legislation.
One last thing - make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your total benefit entitlement. The 26 weeks is the maximum duration, but your weekly amount depends on your previous wages.
Right, so I need to look at both how much per week and for how many weeks. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!
Exactly! And if you need help understanding your specific benefit calculation, that Claimyr service others mentioned can help you get through to ask Washington ESD directly about your numbers.
The appeals process has definitely gotten slower since COVID. Used to be 4-6 weeks total, now it's more like 8-12 weeks. Staffing issues at ESD are real.
One thing that helped me was setting up direct deposit before my appeal was decided. That way when the back pay came through, it deposited automatically instead of waiting for a check in the mail.
Teresa Boyd
Don't forget that you need to register with WorkSource too. That's part of the job search requirement. You can do it online but you have to keep your profile updated.
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Harper Collins
•When do you have to register with WorkSource? Right away or can you wait?
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Teresa Boyd
•You should register within your first week of filing for unemployment. It's one of the ongoing eligibility requirements.
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Lourdes Fox
BOTTOM LINE: Washington ESD looks at why you're unemployed, whether you're available for work, and if you earned enough wages to qualify. If you meet all three criteria, you should be able to file. The specific reasons are less important than being able to prove your case if questioned.
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Lourdes Fox
•Good luck! Remember to keep detailed records of everything and don't be afraid to ask questions if you get stuck in the process.
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Sydney Torres
•And if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, don't waste hours trying to get through. Claimyr saved me so much time and frustration when I needed answers about my claim.
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