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For anyone still confused about Washington ESD processes, I had good luck getting clarification through that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Really helped me understand the timeline and requirements without spending all day on hold.
Bottom line: the waiting week is a pain but it's standard in Washington. File your weekly claim, do your job search, and your first payment should come the following week. Don't let it stress you out too much - it's just how the system works.
This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was terrified I wouldn't qualify for benefits after being terminated. Feeling much more confident about filing now.
Final update: Got approved for unemployment benefits! The whole adjudication process took about 4 weeks but they determined that my termination didn't constitute misconduct. Thank you everyone for encouraging me to apply and not give up. For anyone in a similar situation - definitely file your claim even if you were fired. You might be surprised by the outcome!
The whole process would be so much easier if Washington ESD just had decent phone support. But since they don't, services like Claimyr have become pretty essential for anyone who runs into problems. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ
Hope your claim goes smoothly OP! Most people don't have major issues if it's a straightforward layoff situation. Just be prepared to be patient with the Washington ESD system - it's slow but it works eventually.
The key thing is honesty. Report everything and let Washington ESD do the math. It's better to get a smaller benefit check than to risk an overpayment investigation.
One more thing - if you're working part-time for the same employer who laid you off, there might be different rules. Something about 'standby' status. Worth checking on that if it applies to your situation.
Alexis Robinson
Just wanted to add that the benefit amount is based on your gross wages, not your take-home pay. So don't use your net pay when trying to estimate your benefits.
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Ava Hernandez
•That makes sense. I was wondering if I should use my salary before or after taxes and deductions.
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Alexis Robinson
•Definitely use your gross pay. Washington ESD looks at what your employer reported to them, which is your gross wages.
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Aaron Lee
One more thing - make sure you're available for work and actively seeking employment. If Washington ESD thinks you're not genuinely looking for work, they can deny your benefits.
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Aaron Lee
•There are some programs that allow you to collect unemployment while in approved training programs, but you'd need to get approval from Washington ESD first.
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Isabella Martin
•The Training Benefits program is what you're thinking of. But you have to get approved before you start school, not after.
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