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The whole process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get started. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step.
One last tip - register with WorkSource Washington too. It's the state's job search website and using it counts toward your job search requirements. Plus they have good resources for finding work.
Update us when you hear back! It's always encouraging to hear success stories from people going through the same process.
Bottom line: file your claim, be honest, and don't assume you'll be denied just because you were fired. The unemployment system is there to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Just to wrap this up - yes, you can file unemployment if you were fired. Attendance issues due to legitimate reasons like car trouble and sick children are not considered misconduct in most cases. File your claim ASAP and be honest about your situation.
The benefit amount calculation can be confusing, but basically Washington ESD takes your highest earning quarter from your base year, multiplies it by 0.0385, and that's your weekly amount (subject to the min/max limits).
Don't forget that if you're still partially employed (reduced hours), you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits. It's not all-or-nothing.
Ryan Andre
One last thing - keep all your documentation organized. You might need it later for verification or if there are any issues with your claim.
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Ryan Andre
•Employment records, job search logs, any correspondence with Washington ESD, and records of weekly claims filed.
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Olivia Van-Cleve
•Also keep records of any work you do while collecting benefits, even if it's just a few hours.
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Lauren Zeb
Good luck with your application! The process seems overwhelming at first but it gets easier once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims.
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Elijah O'Reilly
•Thanks everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about getting started now.
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Lauren Zeb
•You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions along the way.
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