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My advice? Focus on finding a new job instead of trying to work the system. Even if you somehow got unemployment benefits, they're temporary and probably less than what you're making now. A new job is a permanent solution.
Thanks everyone for all the advice and reality checks. I realize now that asking to be laid off is not a good strategy and could backfire badly. I'm going to focus on updating my resume and starting a proper job search instead. Better to be proactive about finding new opportunities than trying to game the unemployment system.
If you do need to contact Washington ESD about anything in the future, remember that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Could save you a lot of time on hold.
Had a similar situation but with a retail job - fired for cash register shortages. Washington ESD approved my benefits because the shortages weren't proven to be intentional. The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct, not on you to prove innocence.
Final update: Just wanted to thank everyone for the encouragement to file. Got my determination letter today and I was approved for benefits! The adjudicator agreed that chronic tardiness due to personal issues didn't constitute willful misconduct. Starting to get payments next week.
If you're having trouble with the website or need to speak to someone, I ended up using Claimyr after weeks of failed attempts to call. Worth checking out their demo video to see if it might help you too.
For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD, I had success with Claimyr too. Their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ explains exactly how it works. Definitely worth checking out if you're tired of busy signals.
Bottom line: $999 is the max weekly benefit for 2025 in Washington state. Whether you actually get that amount depends on your earnings history. Most people get somewhere in the $400-600 range based on what I've seen.
Tate Jensen
Just to add one more resource - if you need help getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your appeal, that Claimyr service really does work. I tried it when I was going crazy trying to reach someone and got a callback the same day.
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Fiona Gallagher
•I might try that if I can't get the information I need from the documents. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Adaline Wong
Wishing you the best with your appeal! The waiting is the worst part but hang in there. Most people with legitimate cases do win eventually.
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Fiona Gallagher
•Thank you! I really appreciate all the support and advice from everyone here.
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