Also consider volunteering while you job search. It can help with networking and gives you something productive to put on your resume during this gap.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits end in about a month and I'm getting anxious about what comes next. From reading everyone's responses, it sounds like the key is to start applying for assistance programs NOW before the benefits actually run out. I'm going to look into WorkSource Washington, SNAP benefits, and see what my county offers. Also going to try that Claimyr service since getting through to ESD seems impossible otherwise. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it helps to know I'm not alone in this.

Bottom line: file your claim regardless of how you lost your job. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised and get approved.

Just to add another data point - I was terminated for "not meeting expectations" after 3 years at my company. Never had any disciplinary actions or warnings in my file. Filed for unemployment immediately and was approved within a week with no issues. My employer didn't even contest it. The key distinction Washington ESD makes is whether you were fired for willful misconduct versus just not being able to perform the job to their standards. Performance issues alone usually don't disqualify you from benefits. Don't let the fear of being denied stop you from applying - you've paid into this system and deserve to use it when you need it!

Bottom line is most people in Washington get somewhere between 35-50% of their previous income from unemployment. With your salary, you're probably looking at $450-600 per week, depending on your specific wage history.

Just went through this process myself last month after getting laid off from my software job. With a similar salary to yours ($4,600/month), I ended up getting $523 per week from Washington ESD. The calculation is definitely more complex than just a percentage - it really depends on your quarterly earnings pattern over the base period. One tip: make sure you have all your employment documentation ready when you file, including any contract work or side income, as that all factors into the calculation. The whole process took about 2 weeks from filing to getting my first payment.

Bottom line - keep filing your weekly claims, be patient, and your benefits will likely start flowing once Washington ESD processes the non-response from your employer. The system is designed to protect workers, not employers who ignore their obligations.

I went through this exact same situation last month! My employer never responded to Washington ESD's request for information, and after about 3 weeks my claim was automatically approved. The key thing is to keep filing your weekly claims during the waiting period - when your benefits finally kick in, you'll get all the back pay from when you first filed. Washington ESD really does follow through on approving claims when employers don't respond within their deadline. Hang in there!

Based on your situation, here's a specific action plan: 1. First, verify you've filed the correct appeal form for overpayments (different from regular appeals) 2. Call using the specific language suggested above to reach the overpayment unit 3. Email documentation to both uioverpayment@esd.wa.gov AND benefits@esd.wa.gov with your claim ID prominently displayed 4. If no response in 7 days, contact your state representative's office 5. Document all communication attempts with dates, times, and names Most importantly, don't start a new claim as this could jeopardize your appeal rights on the existing claim. Overpayment issues can take 8-12 weeks to resolve even when you do everything right, but following these steps should get movement on your case.

I went through something very similar last year and can share what finally worked for me. The key is being extremely persistent and using multiple approaches simultaneously. Here's what broke through for me: 1. Call early (8:00-8:30 AM) and use the exact phrase "Transfer me to the overpayment unit for an existing appeal" - don't explain your situation until you're with the right department 2. Send your documentation via certified mail to: Washington Employment Security Department, Overpayment Unit, PO Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046. Include a cover letter with your claim ID in large font at the top 3. File a complaint with the WA State Auditor's office online - this creates an official record and sometimes triggers faster review The certified mail approach worked when everything else failed because it creates a paper trail they can't ignore. Make sure to request a return receipt so you have proof they received it. My overpayment was reversed about 3 weeks after they received my certified mail packet. Don't give up - you're fighting for what's rightfully yours!