Just wanted to add another tip that might help others - if you have a credit union account, they're often more flexible with cash advances from prepaid cards than big banks. I had a similar issue with my ReliaCard last year and my local credit union processed a $800 cash advance with no fees, while Chase wanted to charge me $10. Also, if you're really desperate and have a trusted friend or family member, you could potentially use the card to send them money through apps like Venmo or PayPal (though check the limits first) and have them give you cash back. It's not ideal but could work in a pinch. The ReliaCard system really needs to be more user-friendly for people who need to access larger amounts for essential expenses like rent.

Another option that worked for me when I had this exact same issue - try going to different ATMs throughout the day. Some people don't realize that the $1000 ATM limit might reset at different times depending on when you first used it, not necessarily at midnight. I was able to get an extra $400 out by trying an ATM at a different bank around 6pm after hitting my limit that morning. Also, if you have any local check cashing places, they sometimes have higher daily limits for money orders than grocery stores or post offices. It's worth calling around if you're really stuck. The ReliaCard situation is honestly ridiculous - they should have emergency overrides for essential expenses like rent!

This whole thread has been super helpful. I'm in a similar situation and didn't realize there were so many factors to consider. Going to start documenting things better and maybe try that Claimyr service to get some official guidance from ESD.

I went through this exact situation about 18 months ago. The key thing that helped me get approved was keeping a detailed log - I wrote down every incident with dates, times, what was said/done, and who witnessed it. I also saved any emails or texts that showed the pattern of behavior. When I finally quit and applied for benefits, I had a 3-page timeline that clearly showed the escalating harassment. It took about 4 weeks for approval but having that documentation made all the difference. Start building your paper trail now, even if you're not sure you'll quit - you can always decide not to use it later.

UPDATE: I finally found it! Logged into my employer account and it was right there under 'Tax Rate Information' like the first commenter said. My rate actually went down from last year which is great news for my quarterly payments.

As someone who went through this exact same struggle last year, I wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the employer portal login, you can also request your tax rate information by emailing Washington ESD's employer services team directly. They usually respond within 2-3 business days with your current rate and experience rating details. Just make sure to include your UBI number and business name in the email. It's a good backup option when the website is being finicky or you can't remember your login credentials.

One more thing to add - even if you have to appeal a decision, those hearing records are also confidential. Only becomes public if you choose to take it to court, which almost never happens.

I had the same concerns when I was laid off last year. After doing research and speaking with ESD directly, I can confirm that your unemployment records are absolutely confidential. Washington state has strong privacy laws protecting this information - RCW 50.13.060 specifically prohibits disclosure of individual claim information except to authorized parties. Even if a potential employer somehow tried to access this info, they legally cannot, and ESD faces serious penalties for unauthorized disclosure. The only people who can see your claim details are you, your authorized representative, and ESD staff who need the information to process your claim. Don't let privacy concerns prevent you from accessing benefits you've earned through your payroll contributions.

Bottom line - yes, Washington ESD will contact your employer, but it's completely routine and nothing to stress about. Focus on filing your weekly claims on time and meeting any job search requirements. The employer verification is just one step in the process.

I can confirm from personal experience that Washington ESD does contact employers automatically - it's part of their standard verification process. When I filed my claim about 6 months ago, my former HR department told me they received the separation request form within about a week of my filing. The good news is that if you were laid off due to budget cuts like you mentioned, that's pretty straightforward for them to verify and shouldn't cause any delays. Most employers are very familiar with these requests and handle them routinely. Try not to worry too much about it - you're entitled to these benefits and there's nothing inappropriate about filing for unemployment after a layoff.