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Quick update on my earlier comment - I should clarify that while the waiting week status is generally a positive sign, the official approval comes in the form of a determination letter. Since you were laid off (not fired for cause or quit), your claim should be straightforward and likely to be approved.\n\nThe ESD system in 2025 is better than it was during the pandemic years, but there are still delays and glitches. The most important thing right now is to:\n\n1. Continue filing your weekly claims on time\n2. Complete your 3 job search activities each week\n3. Document everything in your WorkSource job search log\n4. Check your online account daily for new letters\n\nIf you haven't seen any determination by the time you file your second weekly claim, then I would recommend trying to contact ESD directly.
tell him check out warehouses, my buddy was in tech and couldnt find anything so he did amazon warehouse for like 6 months, decent pay and they hire everyone
One more thing - when your brother reports his part-time earnings to ESD, he needs to report GROSS earnings (before any deductions), not net pay. I've seen people get hit with overpayment notices because they reported the wrong amount. Also, your brother might benefit from connecting with WorkSource. They can help with job searches in his field and sometimes have special programs for people transitioning between careers. With his tech background, they might be able to connect him with short-term contract work that pays better than retail while he searches for a permanent position.
Thanks for the gross vs. net clarification! That would have been exactly the kind of mistake he might make. And I didn't think about WorkSource for tech contracts - he's been focused on permanent roles but a contract might be perfect right now. Anything to get him off my couch (and I do love him, but my 1-bedroom apartment isn't meant for two adults!
This whole system is designed to make people give up!!! i had a friend who got disqualified for 7 weeks straight and he just stopped filing because it was so frustrating. dont give up!!!
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at ESD today! Turns out there was an employer response questioning my availability for work because I had mentioned potentially taking some classes during my exit interview. The ESD agent put me in for adjudication review and said I should continue filing weekly claims while they investigate. She said it could take 3-4 weeks for the adjudication to complete, but that I should receive all back payments if it's decided in my favor. I'm still going to file an appeal just to be safe (within the 30-day window). Thank you everyone for your advice and support!
wow good detective work! how did u actually manage to get through to someone? i've been trying for days
I actually tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. It worked exactly as described - took about 90 minutes but I actually got to speak to a real person. Worth it considering I'd wasted hours trying to get through on my own.
UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their help! I went to WorkSource and got connected with their Dislocated Worker program. They're helping me enhance my resume and connected me with some temp agencies that work specifically with admin assistants. I also applied for food benefits and energy assistance. I also managed to get through to ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. The agent was super helpful and confirmed I can't get an extension but said I should continue filing weekly claims even after my benefits run out (something about keeping my claim active for tax purposes and in case any emergency extensions get approved later). Still stressed about money but at least I have a plan now. Thanks again everyone!
Aurora Lacasse
one thing nobody mentioned - if u hav a disability (even temporary) u might qualify for paid family & medical leave. not technically unemployment but it can give u some income. also food banks are everywhere now and they usually dont ask many questions. better than nothing when ur desperate
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Charlotte White
•ya and also check if ur eligible for utility assistance thru LIHEAP. they can cover heating bills and sometimes other utilities depending on income. saved me a couple hundred when i was between jobs
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Anthony Young
Based on the timeline you mentioned, it sounds like you need both immediate assistance and longer-term solutions. Here's what I suggest: 1. Apply for Basic Food benefits today (online through Washington Connection) 2. Contact your local WorkSource office tomorrow about Training Benefits 3. Apply for rental assistance through your county's housing authority 4. Consider part-time or gig work to supplement income while job hunting 5. Check if your profession qualifies for any specialized placement services Also, make sure you're claiming your final two weeks properly. Any mistakes could delay your final payments. Keep detailed records of all your job search activities in case you need them for future benefit eligibility.
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Daniel Washington
•I really appreciate this step-by-step plan. I've been so overwhelmed that breaking it down into specific actions helps tremendously. I'll start with Washington Connection today and follow through with the rest of your suggestions this week.
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