Just wanted to follow up - were you able to file your new claim yet? The sooner you start that process, the better, even while you're working on the overpayment situation. Remember that your claim effective date is based on when you apply, not when you got laid off, so every week you wait is potentially lost benefits.

Great to hear you filed your claim! That's the most important first step. While you're working on reaching ESD, just wanted to add a few practical tips: 1. Keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact them (dates, times, what happened) - this can help support your good cause explanation if needed. 2. When you do get through, ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed. ESD agents sometimes give conflicting information, so having it in writing helps. 3. Consider filing your weekly claims even if they're taking money for the overpayment - you're still building a benefit year and establishing your claim. 4. If you haven't already, gather all your employment documents from the warehouse job (pay stubs, termination notice, etc.) in case ESD needs them during processing. The system is definitely frustrating, but you're taking all the right steps. Hang in there!

For anyone else reading this thread later - the Washington ESD website has a good eligibility quiz that can help you determine if you qualify before you actually file your claim. Might be worth checking out.

Based on everything you've described, you should definitely qualify for Washington unemployment benefits. Working 8 months at retail with regular hours shows you'll meet the wage requirements, and being laid off due to restructuring is exactly the type of involuntary separation that qualifies you. The main requirements are: 1) sufficient wages in your base period (which you should have), 2) unemployed through no fault of your own (check), and 3) able and available for work while actively job searching. Don't overthink it - just file your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible since benefits don't pay retroactively to before you file. You've got this!

To answer your follow-up question about the job search verification - ESD typically conducts random audits of job search activities. For each week you claim benefits, you need to complete at least 3 job search activities and document them. These can include job applications, interviews, creating profiles on job sites, attending job fairs, etc. Since you'll be relocating, ESD understands there may be a transition period. You can request standby status for up to 12 weeks if you have a definite return-to-work date with a Washington employer, but that likely doesn't apply in your PCS situation. The key is being honest about your availability for work. Once you're physically in North Carolina, that's where your job search should be focused. And yes, as someone mentioned, keep ALL documentation for at least a year after your claim ends.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when my husband got orders from McChord to Ramstein - make sure you screenshot or print out your entire ESD claim portal once you get approved. When we moved overseas, I had trouble accessing some of the online features due to IP restrictions, and having those screenshots saved me when I needed to reference my claim details later. Also, if you're moving to an area with a high cost of living like the DC area near Fort Liberty, don't forget that your unemployment benefits are based on your Washington wages, so budget accordingly since North Carolina wages might be different. The military spouse provision is a lifesaver though - definitely take advantage of it!

Bottom line: Washington unemployment typically pays about half your previous wages up to the maximum. With your wage history OP, you'll probably get a decent amount. Just be patient with the bureaucracy and keep filing your weekly claims.

I just went through this same calculation confusion last month! Here's what I learned: Washington uses your two highest-earning quarters from your base year, adds them together, divides by 52 weeks, then multiplies by 0.0385 (3.85%). With your $48k base year wages, you're probably looking at somewhere in the $500-700 range per week, but it really depends on how your earnings were distributed across those quarters. The online calculator is accurate once you input the correct base year quarters - the tricky part is figuring out which quarters count. Since you mentioned making $1,100/week recently, you'll likely get a decent benefit amount assuming that higher wage was during your base year period.

my friend got an overpayment notice bc her boss reported diff hours than she did its such a mess!! make sure ur tracking exactly what u work so u can prove it if they come after u later

I had the same exact situation last month - worked 13.3 hours and was confused about the rounding. I called ESD (took forever to get through) and they confirmed you should round to the nearest whole hour. So 13.2 becomes 13 hours on your claim. The rep also mentioned that as long as you're consistent with your rounding method and it matches what your employer reports, you'll be fine. Don't stress too much about it - just be consistent going forward!