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Don't forget about the maximum benefit duration too. In Washington you can typically get up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits, but that might change depending on economic conditions.
Just want to add that if you have any issues with your benefit calculation or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your weekly amount, there are services like Claimyr that can help you get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever. I used them when I had questions about my benefit amount and it was super helpful.
If you do get stuck in adjudication hell like I did, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit. Used it last month when I couldn't get through to check on my claim status. Finally got to talk to a real person at Washington ESD instead of just sitting on hold forever.
About 5 weeks with no updates. Called using Claimyr and found out they just needed one more piece of documentation from me. Got it resolved within a few days after that.
Bottom line - being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The key question is whether it was for misconduct or not. Performance issues, personality conflicts, not being the right fit - those typically don't count as misconduct.
Final myth buster: You don't lose your place in line if you go back to work temporarily. If you lose that job within your benefit year and still have benefit weeks remaining, you can restart your claim without filing a whole new application.
This has been a great thread for clearing up all the confusion. The key is getting information from reliable sources like Washington ESD directly, not from random people who might not know the current rules.
The minimum benefit in Washington used to be even lower years ago, so I guess $201 is progress? Still not enough to live on though.
Just to confirm what others have said - $201 is definitely the floor for Washington ESD weekly benefits. I've been on unemployment twice and both times that was the minimum they could pay out regardless of circumstances.
Natasha Volkova
You got this! I was terrified too but the hearing officer was actually really patient and fair. Focus on telling your truth clearly and you'll do fine.
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Aisha Khan
•Thank you for the encouragement, I really needed to hear that today.
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Natasha Volkova
•Just remember they hear these cases all day. They know when someone is being honest versus trying to game the system.
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Javier Torres
Last tip - if you win your appeal, your benefits should be released within a few days to a week. Don't panic if it takes a bit for the system to update.
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Aisha Khan
•Hopefully I'll need this advice! Trying to stay positive about the outcome.
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Emma Davis
•Good luck with your hearing! Sounds like you're well prepared.
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