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Bottom line - if you got laid off due to business reasons like budget cuts, company closure, or position elimination, that's discharge without misconduct and you should qualify for unemployment benefits. The terminology is confusing but the concept is straightforward.
I went through something similar last year when my manufacturing job was eliminated. The discharge terminology is definitely confusing at first, but since you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's clearly involuntary discharge without misconduct. Washington ESD should approve your claim without issues. Just make sure to keep all your documentation from your employer about the layoff reason - sometimes they'll ask for it during the review process. Also, don't forget to file your weekly claims even while they're processing your initial application. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from filing to first payment.
oh yeah forgot to mention they sent me an email when the decision was posted! but it went to my spam folder so check there too
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Had my OAH hearing 6 days ago and I'm checking everything obsessively. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying - I had no idea ESD could still appeal even if we win at OAH! The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're owed thousands in backpay. I'm definitely going to try calling that OAH number someone mentioned and check my spam folder. This whole system really does seem designed to make people give up. Hang in there - at least you made it through the hearing part which is a huge step!
If you filed your initial claim correctly and don't have any complicating factors, 2-3 weeks is typical. Keep filing your weekly claims and try not to stress too much. The system works, it's just slow.
I'm in a similar situation - applied about 6 days ago and seeing the same "claim processing" status. Reading through all these responses is really helpful! It sounds like the 2-3 week timeframe is pretty standard. I've been doing my weekly claims like everyone recommends, but I'm definitely feeling the financial pressure too. Has anyone had experience with Washington ESD processing claims faster during certain times of the year, or is it pretty consistent regardless of when you apply?
Chase is actually pretty good with ESD deposits, I usually see mine the very next day after it switches to paid. You should definitely get it before your rent is due Monday unless something unusual happens.
That's awesome news that your payment came through! For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation - I went through the exact same thing last year. The key thing to remember is that when ESD changes your status to "paid," they've already processed the payment on their end. The timing after that really does depend on your bank. I have Wells Fargo and it typically takes 1-2 business days. One tip I learned: you can actually call your bank's customer service line and ask if there are any pending ACH deposits from Washington State ESD - sometimes they can see it in the system before it posts to your account. Saved me a lot of anxiety during my waiting period!
Diego Chavez
One more thing - if you used that Claimyr service to get through to Washington ESD, let us know how it worked out. Always looking for ways to actually talk to a human there.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•I'll definitely report back if I end up trying it. The regular phone system is completely useless.
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NeonNebula
•Same, would love to hear real experiences with it before spending money on it.
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Julia Hall
I went through something similar with Amazon about 8 months ago. They contested my layoff claim too, saying I had "performance issues" even though I was part of a clear RIF that affected my whole department. The adjudication took about 5 weeks but I eventually won. The key thing that helped me was getting a statement from my former supervisor confirming it was a layoff due to business needs, not performance. If you can reach out to your supervisor or any coworkers who witnessed the layoff situation, that could really strengthen your case. Also, keep checking your Washington ESD account online for any updates - sometimes they post decisions there before you get the letter in the mail.
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