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One more thing - if you do file and get approved, don't forget to report any part-time work or odd jobs. Even small amounts of income need to be reported on your weekly claims or you could get hit with an overpayment later.
If you do need to call Washington ESD about anything, definitely check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I finally got through to an agent last week after trying for a month on my own. Sometimes you just need that extra help to navigate their phone system.
One more thing about that Claimyr service - if you need to check on the status of your appeal or have questions about next steps, it's way easier than trying to get through to Washington ESD the regular way. I've recommended it to several people dealing with appeals and they've all had good experiences.
Good luck with your appeal! Hostile work environment cases can definitely be won if you have solid documentation. Just stay organized and don't let Washington ESD intimidate you - you have rights as an unemployed worker.
This is all really good information. I think the key takeaway is that unemployment and PFML serve different purposes and you can't use them at the same time.
The reality check here is that extended unemployment benefits are rare and only happen during major economic downturns. The regular unemployment program is what most people get, and when that's done, you're on your own. It's not ideal but that's the current system.
I guess I was hoping there might be some state-specific programs or something I didn't know about. Thanks for the reality check though.
Just want to echo what others have said - start planning now for when your benefits end. Look into other assistance programs, consider temporary work, maybe even reach out to family or friends who might know about job opportunities. The transition can be really tough if you're not prepared.
Thanks for the advice. I'll start looking into other assistance programs this week. Better to be prepared than caught off guard.
Sofia Perez
One more denial reason people forget about - if you're still technically employed but just had your hours reduced, you might be eligible for partial benefits. But if Washington ESD finds out you turned down available hours at your current job, that could disqualify you.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•This happened to my sister. Her boss offered her more hours but she said no because of childcare, then got denied for partial benefits.
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Sofia Perez
•Childcare issues can sometimes qualify as good cause for refusing work, but you have to document it properly and show you're actively looking for solutions.
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ElectricDreamer
Bottom line: even if you think you might get denied, it's usually worth applying anyway. The worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised. I thought I'd get denied for voluntary quit but they approved me because I had good cause (unsafe working conditions).
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NeonNinja
•Thanks everyone for all the detailed info! I think I'll apply and see what happens. Sounds like there are more exceptions and appeals options than I realized.
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Anastasia Popov
•Good luck! Make sure to document everything about your job separation and be completely honest on your application. Washington ESD will verify information with your employer anyway.
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