Washington Unemployment
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Can you apply for Washington ESD unemployment if fired from your job?
Got terminated from my retail job last week for what they called 'performance issues' but honestly I think it was just because they didn't like me. My manager had been making my life hell for months and I feel like they were looking for any excuse to get rid of me. Can I still file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD even though I was fired? I heard that if you get fired you can't get benefits but I'm not sure if that's true. Really need to know because I've got rent due in two weeks and no other income right now.
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Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment while on workers comp?
I got hurt at my construction job 2 months ago and I'm currently receiving workers comp benefits through L&I. My doctor says I can't return to my regular duties yet but I might be able to do light work. My workers comp payments are only covering about 60% of what I was making before. Can I file for Washington ESD unemployment benefits to make up the difference? Or does being on workers comp automatically disqualify me from UI benefits? I'm really struggling financially and need to know my options.
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Thanks everyone for all the info. Sounds like I'm stuck with just the workers comp benefits for now. Hopefully my case gets resolved soon so I can get back to work or at least apply for unemployment if I can't find a job right away.
Hang in there. The workers comp process is frustrating but it does eventually get resolved. Make sure you're documenting everything for your case.
Good luck with everything. Hope you heal up quickly and can get back to earning full wages soon.
This whole discussion makes me glad I have disability insurance through work. Workers comp alone definitely isn't enough to live on if you get seriously injured.
Not everyone has that option though. A lot of construction and manual labor jobs don't offer good disability coverage.
True, and even when they do offer it, a lot of people can't afford the premiums on top of everything else.
How much does Washington ESD unemployment benefits pay in 2025?
I'm trying to figure out exactly how much I'll get from Washington ESD unemployment benefits if I have to file a claim. My friend said it depends on your previous wages but I can't find clear information about the actual amounts. Does anyone know what the current weekly benefit amounts are? I made about $52,000 last year working full time. Just want to plan ahead in case my company does layoffs next month.
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The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator tool that's pretty accurate if you want to estimate your weekly amount. You just need your quarterly wage information from the past 18 months or so. Much easier than trying to do the math yourself.
I'll check that out. Do I need my exact pay stubs or will tax documents work?
Your W-2s or quarterly statements should have enough information. The calculator just needs your total wages for each quarter.
One more thing - if you end up applying and your benefit amount seems wrong, don't just accept it. I appealed my initial determination because I thought my WBA was calculated incorrectly, and I was right. They had missed some wage information and my weekly amount went up by $75.
About 3 weeks total. I had to submit additional wage documentation but it was worth it for the extra money each week.
Good to know appeals are actually processed reasonably quickly. I always assumed they'd take forever.
How much can you get from unemployment Washington ESD weekly benefit amounts?
I'm trying to figure out what my weekly unemployment benefit amount will be if I get laid off from my job. I make about $52,000 a year right now and have been working for the same company for 3 years. Does anyone know how Washington ESD calculates the weekly benefit amount? I've heard it's based on your highest earning quarter but I'm not sure how that works exactly. Also what's the maximum weekly benefit amount you can get in Washington state right now?
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This was really helpful! I bookmarked this thread because I might need to reference it later. The Washington ESD website has a lot of this info too but it's not explained as clearly as you all did here.
Yeah the official website can be confusing. Real people explaining it in plain English is much better.
Hope this helps! Unemployment can be stressful but at least Washington has decent benefit amounts compared to some other states. Just make sure you follow all the rules and keep up with your weekly claims and job search requirements.
Definitely feeling more prepared now. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain all this!
What time to file unemployment claim - Washington ESD best hours?
I got laid off yesterday and need to file my initial unemployment claim with Washington ESD today. I've heard the system gets overwhelmed during certain times. What's the best time of day to file to avoid crashes or long wait times? Should I try early morning, late evening, or does it not matter? Don't want to get halfway through and have the system kick me out.
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Filed mine at 11 PM on a Wednesday and it went smoothly. I think the late night hours are underrated - most people aren't up filing claims at that time.
That's a good point about late night. I'm usually up late anyway so that might work for me too.
Just make sure you're alert enough to answer everything accurately. Mistakes on the initial claim can cause major headaches later.
Don't overthink the timing too much. Yes some times are better than others but the most important thing is just getting it filed. I stressed about the perfect time for three days before just doing it, and it worked fine.
You're probably right. I need to just pick a time and go for it. All this advice has been super helpful though!
Agreed. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week starts. Don't delay over finding the 'perfect' time.
Geoff Richards
Don't let your former employer intimidate you into not filing. I've heard of managers telling people they can't get unemployment if they were fired, but that's often not true. File your claim and let Washington ESD decide.
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Marcus Marsh
AuthorMy manager didn't say anything about unemployment but I could see them being spiteful about it.
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Geoff Richards
Even if they contest it, you have the right to appeal if you disagree with the initial decision. Don't let fear of their reaction stop you from getting benefits you may be entitled to.
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Simon White
Bottom line - being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The circumstances matter. Performance issues, inability to do the job, and conflicts with management are usually not considered misconduct. File your claim and provide honest information about what happened.
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Marcus Marsh
AuthorThanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now.
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Simon White
Good luck with your claim! Remember to file your weekly claims on time once you get started.
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