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Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! Just finished filing my initial claim online. Wasn't as bad as I expected - took maybe 30 minutes to complete. Now I guess I wait to see if it gets approved and start filing weekly claims. Really appreciate all the guidance, especially about filing right away instead of waiting around.
Glad it went smoothly! If you run into any issues with your claim status or have questions down the road, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned. Sometimes it's worth it to talk to an actual person rather than trying to figure things out on your own.
Just remember you have to be actively looking for work and available to accept suitable employment. The job search requirement isn't just busywork - they really do check on it sometimes.
Bottom line OP - with your salary you'll probably get $700-900/week for up to 26 weeks. Definitely worth filing if you qualify. Just be prepared for the bureaucracy and phone system frustrations.
Thanks everyone for all the info! Sounds like I should definitely file. Now I just need to figure out how to actually get through to them...
Good luck! And seriously consider that Claimyr thing if you get stuck trying to reach them. Wish I had known about it sooner.
26 weeks goes by faster than you think. Use the time wisely - not just for job searching but maybe taking care of stuff you couldn't do while working full time.
Bottom line: 26 weeks maximum, file weekly claims, keep looking for work, and don't stress too much about the system. It works, just takes some getting used to.
One more thing - if you're a new employer, your first few Form 940s might be a bit different because Washington ESD assigns new employer rates differently than established businesses with experience ratings.
This is a pretty new business, so that's good to know. I'll make sure they understand how the new employer rates work.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Sounds like Form 940 is definitely what we need for the federal side. Now we just need to make sure we're staying compliant with Washington ESD requirements too.
And don't hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck. Whether it's calling Washington ESD directly or using a service like Claimyr to get through, it's better to ask questions than make costly mistakes.
Amara Chukwu
One more tip - if you do get approved, make sure you understand the job search requirements. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep detailed records. Missing this requirement can get your benefits stopped.
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Omar Zaki
•What counts as a job search activity?
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Amara Chukwu
•Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, some online training courses. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list.
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Giovanni Conti
Last thing - when you file, make sure you have all your employment info ready (dates worked, wages, reason for separation). The application will ask for specific details and it's easier if you have everything organized beforehand.
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Omar Zaki
•Good thinking. I'll gather all my pay stubs and employment paperwork before I start the application.
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