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my cousing got a job 4 months into his claim but then they fired him after 2 weeks and he cudnt get his old benefits back had to start all over again and got less money
That's unusual. If he was still within his benefit year, he should have been able to reopen his claim and receive his remaining benefits. It sounds like either there was a disqualification issue with how his job ended, or he may have accidentally filed a new claim instead of reopening his existing one. That's a common mistake that can lead to exactly what you described.
Update: I talked to my potential employer and found out I'll be a W-2 contract employee through their staffing agency, not a 1099 contractor. That sounds like good news based on what everyone has said! One last question - does anyone know if I need to do anything special with my job search activities in the final week before I start the new job? Do I still need to complete and document 3 job search activities that week?
Yes, you still need to complete all job search requirements until your last claimed week. If you already have a verified start date with your new employer, you can request "job search deferral" (standby) for your final weeks, but honestly for just one week it's probably easier to just do the 3 activities. Make sure to report your first day of work accurately when filing your final claim!
btw dont forget u have to file for unemployment withing liek 4 weeks of quitting ur job or u might not be elligible anymore!! i waited too long once and they told me i filed too late :/
That's only partially correct. While you should file as soon as possible, there's no strict 4-week deadline. However, your effective date can't be backdated beyond the week you apply, so you could lose potential benefits by waiting. Also, if you wait too long, it can raise questions about whether you're truly available for work and actively seeking employment.
Thank you everyone for all this helpful information. I'm going to make an appointment with my therapist tomorrow to discuss getting proper documentation. It sounds like I should: 1. Apply ASAP rather than waiting 2. Be completely honest about quitting both jobs 3. Get detailed documentation about my condition 4. Request a job search waiver if my therapist supports it 5. Be prepared for possible denial and appeal I'm still really anxious about the whole process, but at least I have a clearer picture now of what to expect. It's comforting to know others have been through similar situations.
Here's what I recommend you do: 1. Apply for UI benefits right away online at esd.wa.gov 2. In your application, clearly explain that you were on medical leave, that your benefits expired, and that your employer is requiring you to take a leave of absence or resign because they cannot accommodate your temporary restrictions 3. Gather documentation: doctor's note with return date, communications from your school about the leave of absence requirement, any written policies about returning to work 4. If you get denied initially (which is common in complex cases), immediately file an appeal - you'll have 30 days to do so 5. While waiting for UI, also apply for PFML if you haven't already to see if you qualify for that program 6. Consider requesting a determination interview with ESD where you can explain your situation in detail The key issue is demonstrating that your unemployment is not your fault and that despite having "reasonable assurance" for next school year, you're being forced into this gap in employment.
did u check if ur eligible for disabillity benefits? might be easier than dealing with ESD and all their rules about school employees...
Has anyone had luck with the callback option? I tried it twice and both times I never got a callback. Is it actually working for people?
The callback feature is partially working right now. According to ESD's website, they're only offering callbacks during certain hours and for specific claim issues. If you're dealing with an adjudication issue, identity verification problem, or overpayment dispute, you need to reach a claims specialist directly and callbacks aren't currently available for those departments. For basic claim filing questions or weekly claim assistance, the callback should work but there's about a 3-day wait right now based on what I've heard from others.
I know this is frustrating, but it's important to understand what's happening at ESD right now: 1) They lost about 25% of their staff after the pandemic emergency funding ended 2) They're in the middle of a large system upgrade that has caused technical issues 3) There's been a spike in new claims due to recent tech and manufacturing layoffs If you're dealing with an employer dispute like the original poster, that automatically triggers adjudication which needs a specialized claims agent. Those are the longest wait times right now. For best results: - Call between 8:00-9:30am or 3:00-4:00pm (avoid lunch hours) - Have your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and employment details ready - Be very specific about your issue when you reach a person - Ask for a direct contact for follow-up if possible Hang in there everyone!
This is really helpful context, thank you. Do you know if there's any way to escalate an adjudication that's taking too long? I've been waiting 5+ weeks and getting worried I'll lose my apartment if this drags on much longer.
Yes, you can request an escalation after 4 weeks in adjudication. When you finally reach an agent, specifically ask for a "hardship escalation" and explain your situation with rent. Make sure to mention the exact date your claim went into adjudication. They can flag it for priority review if you're at risk of eviction or utility shutoff. Also, contact your state representative's office. They have liaisons who can sometimes help move ESD claims along. Just Google "[your district] state representative Washington" to find yours.
Oliver Schulz
Just a heads up - if you're getting close to using all your regular UI, make sure you understand what happens after. When I exhausted my regular UI last fall, I thought I'd automatically qualify for extended benefits, but that program isn't active right now since unemployment rates aren't high enough in Washington. Really caught me off guard! Start applying to more jobs now even if you have weeks left.
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Zainab Omar
•That's really good advice, thank you. I've been applying to about 5 jobs a week (more than the required 3), but I'll definitely ramp it up. Do you know if the training benefits program is still available? I've been thinking about taking some certification courses if my job search drags on.
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Yara Sayegh
•Yes, the Training Benefits (TB) program is still available in 2025. If you're approved for training, you can receive additional weeks of benefits while attending an approved training program. You should apply for this as soon as possible though, as there's an application process and you need to be approved before exhausting your regular benefits. Contact your local WorkSource office to discuss your options - they can help determine if you qualify and guide you through the application process.
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Connor Murphy
anybody know if seasonal workers get less weeks? my brother works construction and said he only got like 20 weeks
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Keisha Williams
•The number of weeks doesn't change based on industry, but the total benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base year. Some seasonal workers might have lower earnings during certain quarters, which could result in a lower maximum benefit amount. With a lower weekly benefit amount, the same maximum benefit might stretch over more weeks. Conversely, higher earners might have fewer weeks because their weekly amount is higher.
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