Just wanted to add that even if you don't qualify for unemployment, you might still be able to use WorkSourceWA for job search assistance and career counseling. They help everyone, not just UI recipients.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to try a few things: first I'll apply online at esd.wa.gov just to see what happens, and I'll also look into whether I might have been misclassified since I did work pretty set hours and used their equipment. If I can't get through on the phone I might try that Claimyr service people mentioned. Also going to check out WorkSourceWA and the DSHS website for other assistance programs. Really appreciate this community - it's scary being a contractor with no safety net but at least now I know what options to explore!

Overall RESEA isn't as scary as it sounds. Go in with a positive attitude and be prepared to discuss your job search strategy. They really do want to help you find work.

I went through RESEA about 6 months ago and it was actually pretty straightforward. The counselor spent about 45 minutes reviewing my job search activities and helped me refine my resume. One tip - if you've been using online job boards, write down the specific job titles and company names because they'll ask for details. They also helped me set up some job alerts I didn't know about before. Don't stress too much about it - they're genuinely trying to help you get back to work, not catch you doing something wrong.

For anyone interested in the specific ESD rules on severance pay: when you receive a lump sum severance payment, ESD allocates it based on your regular weekly wage. They treat it as if you're continuing to receive regular pay for a specific period. For example, if your weekly wage was $1,000 and you receive a $6,000 severance, ESD will consider you as having received wages for 6 weeks after separation. During those weeks, your unemployment benefits may be reduced or eliminated depending on the amounts. This is why understanding the timing can help you maximize your benefits. So waiting until after the severance period could make sense IF you're confident in your financial situation and job prospects. But as others have mentioned, you're essentially giving up potential benefit weeks that you won't get back.

As someone who went through a similar situation, I'd strongly recommend filing your claim sooner rather than later, even if you don't immediately start collecting benefits. Here's why: 1. You can establish your claim and benefit amount now, then choose when to start your weekly certifications 2. The job market can be unpredictable - what looks like a few months of searching could easily turn into 6+ months 3. Your severance might actually work in your favor timing-wise. If ESD allocates it over 12 weeks as you calculated, you could file now and potentially start collecting benefits right when that period ends I made the mistake of waiting because I was confident I'd find work quickly. Eight months later, I was kicking myself for those lost benefit weeks. Even if you're financially stable now, unemployment benefits are insurance you've already paid for through your taxes. Consider this: you can always stop collecting benefits if you find work, but you can't go back and claim those weeks you didn't file for. The peace of mind alone is worth it!

Hope everything works out for you! Filing for unemployment after getting fired is never fun but at least the system is there to help when you need it.

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago - got terminated after 7 weeks during my probation period for "not meeting performance standards." I was so worried I wouldn't qualify for benefits, but I filed anyway and got approved within about 3 weeks. The key thing that helped me was being completely honest on my application about why I was terminated. I didn't try to sugarcoat it or make excuses - just stated that my employer felt my performance wasn't meeting their expectations during the probation period. Washington ESD was totally understanding and my employer didn't even contest the claim. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Definitely file ASAP like others have said - you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Bottom line for OP: you probably qualify based on what you described. File online as soon as you're unemployed, and don't worry too much about the complex qualification rules until you actually get a determination from Washington ESD.

Just to add one more helpful tip - if you're still working part-time when you file, you can still potentially collect partial unemployment benefits as long as your weekly earnings are below a certain threshold. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn, but you don't have to be completely unemployed to qualify. This might be relevant if you're worried about getting laid off from one of your part-time jobs but still have hours at another.