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This thread has been really helpful. I'm in a similar situation with my employer claiming I was fired for cause when I was actually let go during a restructuring. Sounds like I need to appeal too.
I tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked great. Got through to a Washington ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of the usual hours of busy signals. They were able to explain exactly what documents I needed for my appeal.
Bottom line - you have every right to file for unemployment when fired, especially if you believe it was unjust. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Washington ESD will make the determination based on facts, not your employer's version alone.
Don't forget to keep track of all your job search activities too. Even during adjudication you need to show you're actively looking for work. Use WorkSourceWA or keep a simple spreadsheet.
If anyone's having trouble getting through to Washington ESD about their benefit duration, I had success with Claimyr too. They connected me to an agent who walked me through exactly how my weeks were calculated and what I needed to do to maximize my benefits.
remember that 26 weeks is the MAXIMUM, not guaranteed. your actual duration could be shorter depending on your work history. also if you quit your job (as opposed to being laid off) you might not qualify at all
Good luck with your claim! The whole process can be stressful but once you get approved and into the routine of filing weekly claims, it's pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of the job search requirements and report any income accurately.
One last tip - if you have multiple jobs or complex work history, it might take longer for Washington ESD to calculate your benefits. I had three part-time jobs and it took almost a month to get my monetary determination.
Collins Angel
One thing I learned is that if you think your benefit amount is wrong, you can appeal it. You have to do it within 30 days of when you first got your monetary determination letter though.
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Isaiah Sanders
•Good tip. I'll make sure to review everything carefully when I get my determination.
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Marcelle Drum
•Appeals can take months to process though, so make sure you're really confident it's wrong before going that route.
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Tate Jensen
thanks for asking this question OP, i was wondering the same thing. sounds like with the new higher maximum amounts, filing now might actually cover most of my expenses
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Isaiah Sanders
•Yeah, I'm feeling more optimistic about it now too. Still stressful to be unemployed but at least the benefits seem reasonable.
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Adaline Wong
•Just remember it's temporary - keep applying for jobs even though the benefits are decent. The job search requirements will keep you accountable anyway.
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