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I switched to direct deposit after using the KeyBank card for a few months. Way more convenient and I don't have to worry about losing another card or remembering another PIN.
Overall the KeyBank Reliacard system works pretty well for Washington unemployment. Just treat it like any other debit card and you shouldn't have problems.
Agreed! I just got my KeyBank Reliacard last week and it's been working fine so far. The activation process was super quick too - literally took 5 minutes on the phone. One thing I'd add is to make sure you check the card balance regularly through the app since payments can take a day or two to show up after Washington ESD processes them.
Good luck OP! I hope you get through soon. This thread has some good advice - try the early morning calls, different numbers, and maybe that callback service people mentioned. Don't give up!
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I'm going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow and look into that Claimyr thing if that doesn't work.
I've been dealing with a similar situation with my unemployment claim being stuck in adjudication for months. One thing that helped me was calling the Spanish language line (even if you don't speak Spanish) and asking to be transferred to an English-speaking agent - sometimes those lines have shorter wait times. Also, I found that calling right before they close at 4pm on Wednesdays sometimes works because people give up calling by then. The system is definitely broken but persistence is key. Have you tried submitting any additional documentation through the online portal while you wait? Sometimes that can help move things along even if you can't reach anyone by phone.
Yeah there is a fee, but honestly it was worth it to finally get through and get accurate information instead of guessing or getting conflicting advice online.
I've been dealing with Washington ESD for a few months now and wanted to share what I learned about the weeks calculation. The maximum is indeed 26 weeks, but it's based on a formula that considers your earnings in your base year. What really helped me understand my situation was looking at my quarterly wage report on the ESD website - it breaks down exactly which quarters they used and how much I earned in each. If you're unsure about your qualification, I'd recommend checking that wage history first before trying to call them. It gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.
This is really helpful advice! I'm new to all of this and didn't even know there was a quarterly wage report I could check on the ESD website. That sounds much easier than trying to gather all my pay stubs from different jobs. How long does it usually take for the wage history to show up after you create your account? I just filed my initial claim a few days ago and I'm eager to see what my base year earnings look like so I can get a better idea of how many weeks I might qualify for.
Just remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay quarterly, but don't forget about it come tax time.
I went through this same process about 6 months ago when my company downsized. The online application at eservices.esd.wa.gov really is the best way to go - just make sure you have all your employment info handy before you start. One thing I wish someone had told me is to take screenshots of every page as you fill it out, because if the system glitches (which it does sometimes), you don't want to lose all your work and have to start over. Also, don't stress too much about getting every detail perfect - you can always provide additional information later if needed. The most important thing is just getting that initial claim filed as soon as possible. Good luck!
StarSeeker
Bottom line - job abandonment doesn't automatically disqualify you if you had good cause. File your claim, be honest about the circumstances, and don't be afraid to appeal if you get denied initially. You might be surprised by the outcome.
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Freya Christensen
•Thank you everyone for all the advice. I feel much more confident about filing now. Really appreciate the support.
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Ava Martinez
•Good for you! Keep us posted on how it goes. Your situation might help others in similar circumstances.
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Aisha Abdullah
I went through something similar about 6 months ago. The key thing to remember is that Washington state recognizes "constructive dismissal" - basically when working conditions are so bad that any reasonable person would have to quit. Mental health impacts from a hostile work environment absolutely count as good cause. When you file your claim, focus on specific incidents and how they affected your ability to do your job safely. Even without formal HR complaints, you can still build a strong case. Document everything you can remember now - dates, what was said, how it made you feel, any physical symptoms like anxiety or insomnia. I ended up getting approved after initially being denied, and the back pay helped a lot during my job search.
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Omar Zaki
•I had a similar experience with panic attacks before shifts! I didn't get medical documentation at the time either, but I did end up seeing my doctor a few weeks after I left because the stress symptoms continued. The doctor was able to note in my records that the symptoms were consistent with workplace stress, even though I sought treatment after leaving. If you're still experiencing anxiety or other symptoms, it might be worth getting evaluated now - it can still support your case even if it's after the fact. The key is being able to connect the symptoms to the work environment.
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Aisha Mohammed
•Thank you so much for sharing your experience with constructive dismissal - that's exactly what I think happened to me. The panic attacks and sleep issues you mentioned are spot on. I was literally dreading going to work every day and it was affecting my whole life. I'm definitely going to file my claim this week and focus on documenting all the specific incidents like you suggested. Did you use any particular format when writing down the incidents, or just chronological notes? I want to make sure I present everything clearly when I file.
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