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One last thing - if you're having trouble with your payment method or need to make changes, sometimes it's easier to go through Claimyr to reach an agent rather than trying to figure it out online. The website can be confusing and not all options are clearly labeled.
Thanks everyone for all the help! I think I'll start with direct deposit and see how it goes.
Good choice! Direct deposit is usually the smoothest option. Good luck with everything!
I've been through this exact same situation! Washington ESD does offer both options, but I'd strongly recommend going with direct deposit if you have a bank account. I started with the KeyBank debit card when I first got approved, but switched to direct deposit after about a month and wish I had done it from the beginning. The direct deposit is much more reliable - I get my payments every Tuesday like clockwork, usually around 2-3 AM. With the KeyBank card, there were a couple times where the card got temporarily frozen for "suspicious activity" (which was just me buying groceries) and I had to call to get it unlocked. Plus with direct deposit, the money just goes straight to your regular account where you can pay bills, transfer to savings, whatever you need. The setup is really easy through your SecureAccess Washington account - just go to payment preferences and enter your routing and account number. Make sure you double-check those numbers though! One wrong digit and your payment will bounce back and you'll have to wait another week.
This is super helpful, thank you! I was leaning towards direct deposit anyway since I already do all my banking online. Quick question - when you switched from the KeyBank card to direct deposit, did you have to do anything special or just change the setting in your account? And did the switch happen immediately or did it take a payment cycle to kick in?
By the way, I'm pretty sure he'll need to report which union hall he's registered with. I think there's a specific part in the weekly claim for that. It's been a few months since I had to do this but I remember you have to put your local number somewhere.
That's correct - there's a section in the weekly claim that asks if you're a member of a union with a hiring hall. The first time he files, he'll need to enter his union information, but after that, the system remembers it. As long as he indicates he's still a member of that same union when filing after the short job, he'll maintain the job search exemption.
One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure your husband keeps detailed records of his work dates and earnings during that short assignment. I recommend he write down or screenshot his daily hours and pay stubs immediately. When he resumes filing after being laid off again, having exact dates and dollar amounts makes the process so much smoother. Also, if the union dispatcher gives him any paperwork about the temporary assignment or layoff, keep copies of that too. ESD sometimes asks for documentation if there are any questions about work separation, and having everything organized ahead of time can save a lot of headaches later.
This is such great advice! I'm definitely going to have him keep a detailed log of everything. It sounds like documentation is key if there are ever any questions. Better to have too much information than not enough when dealing with ESD. Thanks for thinking of that detail - I wouldn't have considered keeping dispatcher paperwork but that makes total sense.
I went through something similar about 6 months ago. Filed my claim as "discharged" since they made the decision to end my employment early, even though I had given notice. Washington ESD approved it after about 10 days of review. The key thing that helped my case was having documentation showing I gave proper notice and they chose to terminate me immediately. Make sure you mention in your application that you were willing and able to work the full notice period but the employer refused. Good luck!
Upload them right away when you file! I made the mistake of waiting and it just delayed my review process. Washington ESD wants to see all the documentation upfront if possible. Having that paper trail from the start really strengthened my case and probably helped speed up the 10-day approval.
This gives me so much hope! I was worried that giving notice first would automatically disqualify me, but hearing that you got approved in just 10 days makes me feel way better about filing. I'll definitely emphasize that I was ready to work the full two weeks but they chose to terminate me early. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I work in HR and see this situation fairly often. What happened to you is called "accepting resignation with immediate release" and it's actually pretty common in retail and food service. The good news is that Washington ESD typically treats this as a discharge rather than a voluntary quit, since the employer made the final decision about your employment end date. When you file, make sure to emphasize that you were ready, willing, and able to work through your full notice period but the employer chose to release you immediately. This shows you didn't abandon your job - they ended it early. Document everything and file as soon as possible!
This is super helpful to know there's actually a term for this! "Accepting resignation with immediate release" - I had no idea that was a thing. It makes me feel a lot better knowing that HR professionals see this as a discharge rather than a voluntary quit. I'm definitely going to use that exact phrasing when I file my claim this weekend. Having the proper terminology might help Washington ESD understand the situation more clearly. Thanks for the professional insight!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I think I have a much better understanding now of how business ownership affects unemployment eligibility.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do next. The entrepreneurial spirit is admirable even when things don't work out.
I'm in a similar boat - had to close my freelance design business last month after three years. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like since I was taking distributions rather than paying myself a salary, I won't qualify for regular UI benefits. It's frustrating because I did pay self-employment taxes, but apparently that doesn't count toward unemployment insurance. Has anyone found success with other assistance programs for former business owners? I'm looking into everything at this point.
@Aiden Chen I m'really sorry you had to close your business too. It s'such a tough situation when you ve'put years of work into something. Have you looked into whether you might qualify for any SNAP benefits or other basic assistance programs while you re'transitioning back to traditional employment? I know it s'not the same as unemployment insurance, but it might help bridge the gap. Also, since you were doing freelance design work, you probably have a portfolio and client relationships that could help you find contract or permanent positions with agencies or companies. The skills transfer even if the business structure didn t'work out.
I'm really sorry to hear about your design business closing - that must be incredibly difficult after putting three years into it. You're absolutely right that the self-employment tax situation is frustrating since it feels like you were paying into the system, just not the right part of it for unemployment purposes. I've been researching other options myself since realizing I won't qualify for regular UI benefits either. One thing I discovered is that some local workforce development boards have special programs for displaced business owners or entrepreneurs transitioning back to traditional employment. They sometimes offer job search assistance, retraining opportunities, or even temporary financial support that's separate from the regular unemployment system. It might be worth reaching out to WorkSource Washington to see if they have any programs specifically for people in our situation. Also, since you mentioned you were doing freelance design, have you considered reaching out to temp agencies that specialize in creative services? They might have contract opportunities that could provide some income while you're figuring out your next steps.
Kaitlyn Otto
Just checking in - any updates on your claim? Has the governor's office expedite helped yet?
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Kristian Bishop
Thanks for checking back! I actually just saw movement in my portal this morning - my claim status changed from
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Luca Esposito
•That's amazing news! I'm so glad to hear your claim status is finally moving! It sounds like the governor's office intervention really did work. Please keep us updated on when you actually receive your first payment - I know there are others here who are considering the same route and would love to hear how it all works out. Fingers crossed everything processes smoothly from here! 🤞
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