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Been there, done that. Working part-time while on unemployment is totally doable if you're careful about reporting. Just don't try to cut corners or hide anything.
And remember that even if there are delays, you'll get backpay for all the weeks you were eligible, so you won't lose money just because of processing delays.
Last suggestion - if you run into any roadblocks or your claim gets stuck, don't waste weeks trying to call Washington ESD directly. Services like Claimyr exist for a reason and can save you a lot of time and stress.
I had issues with my benefit calculation and spent hours trying to reach Washington ESD by phone. Finally used Claimyr to get through and they were able to fix the error in my base period wages. The agent explained that a previous employer had reported my wages incorrectly. Without being able to actually talk to someone, I never would have gotten that resolved.
Also remember that unemployment benefits are temporary - there's a maximum number of weeks you can collect. In Washington it's typically 26 weeks of regular unemployment, though that can be extended during economic downturns. Plan accordingly and use the time to actively job search.
One thing people don't realize is that if you quit your job, you probably won't qualify for unemployment benefits at all. Washington ESD requires you to be laid off or fired for reasons not related to misconduct. So the benefit amount doesn't matter if you can't get approved in the first place.
The whole system is so complicated. I've been trying to figure out my benefits for weeks and every website gives different information. Wish Washington ESD would just have a simple calculator that actually works.
Oliver Schulz
Hang in there OP. I know the waiting is stressful but most claims do get approved eventually. The system is slow but it works... eventually.
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Andre Rousseau
•Thanks for the encouragement. Some days I wonder if I did something wrong when filing.
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Oliver Schulz
•Probably not. The delays are mostly on Washington ESD's end, not anything you did wrong.
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Natasha Orlova
Final update from me - got my payment this morning! Ended up being exactly 3 weeks from when I first filed. All the back weeks came through at once. There's hope!
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GalaxyGlider
•Congrats! Still waiting on mine but this is encouraging.
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Natasha Orlova
•Thanks everyone for the support during the wait. This forum really helped me stay sane.
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