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I want to emphasize that Washington ESD has really good resources on their website about eligibility. They have a whole section that walks through different scenarios - part-time workers, seasonal workers, people who quit, people who were fired, etc. It's worth reading through that before you file.
Last thing - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's no waiting period in Washington, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits if you qualify.
hope everything works out for everyone dealing with this stuff. unemployment is stressful enough without worrying about whether your education level affects your benefits
Final thought - keep in mind that educated unemployment often reflects broader economic issues rather than individual failures. The job market for new graduates has been challenging for years, and it's not a reflection of your worth or qualifications. Stay positive and keep applying!
Thanks for posting this question. I'm in a similar situation with about 5 weeks left on my claim. It's helpful to know definitively that there aren't extensions available right now, even though it's not the answer I was hoping for.
One last suggestion - if you haven't already, make sure your LinkedIn profile is completely up to date and you're actively networking. Sometimes opportunities come from connections rather than job postings.
Quick update - I was able to get through this morning using one of the third-party calling services. My claim that was stuck for 5 weeks is now processing. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human to get things moving.
For what it's worth, I've had better luck with the Spanish language line even though I speak English. Sometimes there's less volume on that line and the agents are bilingual anyway.
Isabella Silva
One last thing to consider - if you have any appeals or ongoing issues with your LTD carrier, make sure that's resolved before applying for unemployment. You don't want conflicting claims about your ability to work.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
•Fortunately my LTD is ending cleanly without any disputes. But that's definitely good advice for others who might have complications.
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Ravi Choudhury
•Yes, consistency is key. Washington ESD will look at all the documentation and any contradictions could delay your claim.
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Freya Andersen
For anyone reading this later, I also recommend checking with your state's vocational rehabilitation services. They often have programs that can help bridge the gap between disability and employment, and they understand the unemployment system well.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
•Great suggestion! I hadn't thought about vocational rehabilitation services. I'll look into what's available in Washington.
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Omar Farouk
•DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) in Washington has some great programs. They can sometimes help with job placement too.
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