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Another important point: When you report your earnings on your weekly claim, be aware that Washington uses a Sunday-Saturday week for unemployment purposes. So make sure you're reporting earnings for the correct time period. Also, if your claim is eventually approved and you qualify for benefits for weeks you've already worked, you'll need to report those past earnings when ESD processes your back payments. This ensures you receive the correct partial benefit amount for each week.
Also, don't forget that even while working part-time, you still need to complete and document your three job search activities each week to remain eligible. I recommend focusing those job search efforts on positions closer to your normal wage/skill level while working the lower-paying job. Good luck with everything! The partial benefit option really saved me when I was in a similar position.
Quick update on the specific issues you mentioned seeing in your account: "Able and Available" usually means they need to verify you're able to work and available for work during your claim period. This is often triggered if you reported being sick, on vacation, or unable to work for any reason during a weekly claim. "Job Separation" issues usually mean they need more details about why your employment ended. Your employer may have provided information that doesn't match what you reported. If you can see these issues but no instructions for resolving them, it likely means they're waiting for information from your employer or they're preparing to interview you. Call the main line and specifically ask for a Tier 2 specialist who can see the details of these issues. Regular agents often can't see or explain these pending issues.
Thank you for explaining this! I did mention being sick for 2 days on one of my weekly claims (I had the flu), but I was available to work the other days. For the separation, I was laid off with 20 other people when our company lost a contract. I have the layoff letter but nobody has asked me to upload it. I'll definitely ask for a Tier 2 specialist next time I call.
Ok so everyones giving good advice but missing the MOST IMPORTANT THING - with a 3 day pay or vacate notice, you need to respond IMMEDIATELY with a written notice that you're waiting on unemployment. Washington state has tenant protections that can buy you time. Go to washingtonlawhelp.org right now and look up the eviction defense forms. Just filling that out can buy you an extra 2-3 weeks legally. For your utilities, call and ask for their hardship program ASAP - most have to offer payment plans before disconnection.
THANK YOU!! I had no idea about this! Going to that website right now. My landlord has been somewhat understanding but said his hands are tied because he has his own mortgage to pay. I'll check on the utility hardship programs too - I just got overwhelmed and didn't know where to start with everything falling apart at once.
just fyi after ur benefit year ends u have ONE WEEK to file a new claim before your claim becomes inactive!! don't wait too long or ul have to jump thru extra hoops. i did this last yr. took like 45 min to do the new application. not fun lol
Thank you for the heads up! I'll make sure to file right away. Did you have any issues with the new application or did everything go smoothly?
Everyone is correct that you need to file a new UI claim after your benefit year ends. Here's the exact process: 1. On the day after your benefit year officially ends, log into eServices 2. You'll see a notification that you need to file a new claim 3. Click through to start the new application - it's similar to your original application 4. Have ready: employment history for the past 18 months, employer names/addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation 5. After submitting, continue filing weekly claims while your new application processes 6. Be prepared for possible adjudication if there are any issues with your new claim Your new benefit amount will be calculated based on your work history during your base year (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters from when you file the new claim). This might be higher, lower, or the same as your previous amount depending on your work history.
Has anyone else at your work quit because of this? If other employees left for the same reason, that would strengthen your case with ESD. When I went through something similar, having two former coworkers who could verify the hostile environment made a huge difference in my hearing.
Given what you've shared so far, it sounds like you have a potentially valid claim for good cause voluntary quit. To summarize the best approach: 1. Document everything thoroughly 2. Formally report the issues in writing (email) 3. Give the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the situation 4. If nothing improves, consider your resignation letter carefully - clearly state you're resigning due to the hostile work environment 5. File for unemployment immediately after leaving 6. Be prepared for adjudication and possibly appeals 7. Continue looking for work and documenting your job search The fact that others have quit for similar reasons strengthens your case. If you can get statements from them, that would be valuable evidence. I know how stressful this situation is. No one should have to work in an environment where they're yelled at and belittled.
Mei Wong
Just so you know they'll probably aska bunch of questions about WHY you were on PFML and if you could work now...they always look for excuses not to pay people... make sure you've got doctors note saying your cleared to work again!!! Thats what tripped me up!
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Zoe Stavros
•That's really helpful advice - I do have documentation from my doctor clearing me to return to work. I'll make sure to bring that with me to WorkSource tomorrow.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? If you went to WorkSource, they should have been able to help you submit the right documentation to get your claim reactivated. The key with transitioning from PFML back to UI is proving that: 1. Your PFML benefits have officially ended 2. You're able and available for work again 3. You've been continuously filing weekly claims If you're still having issues, you might need to request a formal determination review.
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Zoe Stavros
•I went to WorkSource yesterday and they were helpful! They couldn't fix it directly, but they helped me submit a secure message through my ESD account with all the right documentation attached. They said someone from ESD should contact me within 5-7 business days. I'll keep filing my weekly claims in the meantime. Thanks everyone for your help!
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