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LOOOOL at ESD. They expect us to surrive on NOTHING when benefits run out. I was on UI last year and when it ended they just cut me off. No help, no extensions, just DONE. The whole system is designed to fail us. Good luck with disability too - I hear they deny everyone the first time. The government doesn't care if we end up homeless!!!
While I understand your frustration, unemployment insurance is designed as a temporary bridge during job transitions, not as permanent income replacement. The standard 26-week benefit period in Washington is actually more generous than some other states. I'd recommend connecting with WorkSource for reemployment services.
Have you talked to DSHS about HEN (Housing & Essential Needs)? It's specifically for people who are waiting for disability decisions and have very limited income. Won't replace your UI but it can help with rent, utilities, and some basic needs. I got on it after my UI ran out while waiting for my disability hearing. You apply through DSHS and it's administered through local community agencies. Just another option to look into.
Has anyone else noticed that the ESD website has been acting weird lately? Sometimes statuses show up incorrectly and then fix themselves a few days later. Maybe try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser to check your claim status again?
Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like you have multiple factors that could be causing the disqualification: seasonal work, partial week of work before layoff, and potentially a new employer who hasn't responded yet. This is exactly the kind of complicated situation where speaking directly with an ESD agent is necessary. Make sure to continue filing your weekly claims even while showing as disqualified. If your claim is eventually approved (which sounds likely based on what you've described), you'll be paid retroactively for all eligible weeks you've claimed. The important thing is maintaining an unbroken claim history while you get this sorted out.
my friend did instacart while waiting for unemployment and ended up getting denied completely bc she made too much money one week. just be careful how much u work
I went through this last year. Two important things to remember: 1. You have to file weekly claims WHILE your initial claim is processing. You can only backfile for 4 weeks, so if you've missed more than that, those benefits may be lost. 2. For self-employment: ESD considers your GROSS earnings before expenses in the week you performed the work (not when paid). They apply this formula: (your weekly benefit amount) - ((gross earnings) - ($5 × 20%)) = adjusted weekly benefit So if your weekly benefit amount would be $850, and you earn $400 in self-employment in a week: $850 - ($400 - $80) = $850 - $320 = $530 benefit for that week Hope this helps!
One more important thing: eligibility determination and identity verification are two separate processes that happen simultaneously. Many first-time claimants get caught up in ID verification issues that can delay benefits. Make sure you've uploaded clear photos of your ID documents in your ESD account, and respond immediately to any requests for additional verification. This alone can save you weeks of waiting.
That's really good to know! I did upload my driver's license and social security card when I applied. Is there anywhere specific in my account I should check to see if the ID verification went through okay?
Layla Mendes
I fogot to mention, make sure u answer ur phone even if it's unknown numbers!!! ESD calls from blocked numbers sometimes and if u miss the call they might just mark u as "unavailable" and deny your claim!
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Alexander Zeus
•This!!! I missed their call twice and they nearly denied me! Now I answer every single call even spam ones lol
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Ethan Anderson
Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning after calling repeatedly since 7:00am. The adjudication is because my former employer is claiming I quit rather than being laid off. The agent said they're still processing my weekly payments while they investigate. They're sending me a questionnaire that I need to return within 5 days. Really relieved to at least know what's going on now!
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Lucas Notre-Dame
•This is excellent news! Be very detailed in your questionnaire responses. Include specific dates, names of supervisors involved in your separation, and any documentation you have (emails, termination letter, etc.) that supports your claim that you were laid off rather than quit. If you have any text messages or emails discussing your separation, those will be extremely helpful.
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Ethan Anderson
•Thanks! I've started gathering everything. I have the layoff letter they gave me and some emails discussing the reduction in workforce. Hopefully that's enough evidence.
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