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Sorry to jump in late, but I wanted to mention that if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation, I had good luck with a service called Claimyr. They helped me get through to an actual person when I had questions about my remaining benefit weeks. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works.
A few people have mentioned that service now. Sounds like it might be worth trying if I need to call them.
Yeah, I've seen Claimyr mentioned in other threads too. Seems legit for getting through the phone maze at Washington ESD.
Bottom line for anyone reading this: Washington state gives you up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits within a benefit year that lasts 52 weeks from when you file. Keep filing weekly, meet your job search requirements, and don't wait until the last minute to plan your next steps. The system isn't perfect but it's there to help bridge you to your next job.
File online at esd.wa.gov - it's way easier than trying to call. The online application walks you through everything step by step. Just be honest about the termination reason and provide your perspective in the comments section.
Bottom line - getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. Performance issues rarely rise to the level of misconduct unless there was willful wrongdoing or repeated policy violations. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.
The Washington ESD system is honestly pretty broken. I've seen people get denied for the most ridiculous reasons, then get approved on appeal for the exact same information. Sometimes it's just a computer glitch or someone made a mistake reviewing your file.
Update us when you figure out what the issue was! I'm curious if it was the WorkSource registration thing. That seems to trip up a lot of people and they don't make it clear that it's required.
I had success using Claimyr after weeks of trying to get through myself. It's worth checking out if you're really stuck - they basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they get an agent. Much better than spending your whole day calling.
Bottom line - there are no walk-in unemployment offices in Washington anymore. It's all phone and online. Your best bet is calling first thing in the morning or using a service to help you get through.
Seriously consider the Claimyr option if you keep getting stuck. It made all the difference for me getting my adjudication resolved.
Alexis Robinson
Just wanted to add that the benefit amount is based on your gross wages, not your take-home pay. So don't use your net pay when trying to estimate your benefits.
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Ava Hernandez
•That makes sense. I was wondering if I should use my salary before or after taxes and deductions.
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Alexis Robinson
•Definitely use your gross pay. Washington ESD looks at what your employer reported to them, which is your gross wages.
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Aaron Lee
One more thing - make sure you're available for work and actively seeking employment. If Washington ESD thinks you're not genuinely looking for work, they can deny your benefits.
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Aaron Lee
•There are some programs that allow you to collect unemployment while in approved training programs, but you'd need to get approval from Washington ESD first.
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Isabella Martin
•The Training Benefits program is what you're thinking of. But you have to get approved before you start school, not after.
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