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.

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!

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!

I went through something very similar last year - laid off with severance and thought I'd take some time off before filing. Here's what I wish someone had told me: Even if you don't plan to collect benefits right away, file your initial claim NOW. Here's why this strategy worked for me: 1. You lock in your benefit calculation based on your current base year 2. You can delay starting your weekly certifications until you actually need the money 3. If your job search takes longer than expected (mine did!), you're already in the system Regarding your severance - since it sounds like about 12 weeks worth, you could file your initial claim now, then start your weekly certifications in mid-November when the severance period ESD calculates would end. This way you're not losing any benefit weeks but still get your break. The key thing is: filing your initial claim doesn't mean you have to start collecting immediately. But once those weeks pass by unclaimed, they're gone forever. Given how unpredictable the job market is right now, having that safety net established could save you a lot of stress later. Trust me, future you will thank present you for filing sooner rather than later!

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.