


Ask the community...
Bottom line: if you've worked consistently for over a year like the OP has, you almost certainly qualify. The edge cases are people who just started working or had very low wages.
Just to add one final tip - if you do get laid off, file your claim the same week. Don't wait thinking you might find another job quickly. You can always stop claiming if you find work, but you can't get benefits for weeks you didn't claim.
Something else to consider - many veterans are overqualified for available positions but underqualified for positions that match their military rank/responsibility level. It's a weird gap that civilian HR doesn't know how to handle.
If anyone's still reading this thread - I used claimyr again last week to get through to Washington ESD about veteran education benefits and how they affect UI eligibility. The agent knew exactly what I was talking about and saved me from making a mistake on my weekly claim. Sometimes it's worth it to get expert help instead of guessing.
Thanks for all the advice everyone. This thread has been more helpful than anything I've found on the official Washington ESD website. Going to look into several of these suggestions.
One more tip - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found success using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Got connected to an agent in minutes instead of hours.
Just wanted to add that if you're getting the maximum benefit amount, you still need to pay federal taxes on it. Washington doesn't have state income tax but the IRS will want their cut.
Pro tip: if you're ever unsure about how to answer these weekly claim questions, you can call the Washington ESD customer service line. Though good luck getting through without help - that's why services like Claimyr exist.
Bottom line: 'Not adversely affected' = you were able and available for work that week. 'Adversely affected' = something prevented you from being able to accept work. Keep it simple and answer based on your actual situation.
Fatima Al-Qasimi
Good luck with your claim! The restaurant industry has been hit hard lately so hopefully you'll find something soon.
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Sean Kelly
•Thanks! I'm optimistic about finding another position. There seem to be a lot of openings right now.
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Dylan Cooper
One last tip - if your claim gets approved, sign up for direct deposit right away. Paper checks take forever to arrive and can get lost in the mail.
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Sean Kelly
•Will do! Thanks for all the advice everyone. This community is really helpful.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Agreed! Much better than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone.
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