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my weekly benefit is $445 and I was making about $2800 a month. seems like the calculation is pretty consistent around 50% of your previous income
Don't forget that you'll need to actively search for work to keep getting benefits. The job search requirements are pretty strict now.
For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone about injury-related claims, I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took less than 30 minutes total and the agent was able to answer all my questions about collecting benefits with work restrictions. Worth every penny to avoid the phone tree nightmare.
How much does Claimyr cost? I'm getting desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD.
I don't remember the exact amount but it was reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saved me. Check their website at claimyr.com for current pricing.
Just want to add that timing matters when filing with an injury. Don't wait too long thinking you need to be 100% healed first. File as soon as you're laid off or lose work due to the injury. You can always update Washington ESD if your medical situation changes, but you can't backdate benefits you should have been collecting.
Just wanted to update - I filed my UI claim while receiving severance and it all worked out fine. The key was being honest about the severance amount on my weekly claims. Washington ESD adjusted my benefits accordingly and I didn't have any issues.
Does anyone know if a lump sum severance is treated differently than severance paid out over time? My company is giving me the option to choose.
For UI purposes, Washington ESD will prorate it the same way regardless of how you receive it. The choice might affect your taxes though, so you might want to consult a tax professional about that aspect.
I had so many questions like this when I started my claim. Couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to get answers. Finally tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned here and actually got to talk to a real person who walked me through everything.
Bottom line: unemployment compensation = the money Washington ESD pays you each week when you're unemployed and eligible. All the other terms (UI, unemployment benefits, etc.) mean basically the same thing. Don't overthink it!
Anastasia Romanov
Going back to the original economics question - most credible studies find that moderate minimum wage increases have minimal employment effects. The CBO estimated a $15 federal minimum wage would reduce employment by about 1.4 million jobs nationally, but also lift wages for 27 million workers. It's a complex tradeoff.
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Connor Byrne
•Thanks for the detailed economic perspective. It seems like the employment effects are relatively small compared to other factors.
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Anastasia Romanov
•Exactly. And Washington has implemented increases gradually which helps businesses adjust. The bigger challenge is supporting people who are unemployed for any reason.
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StellarSurfer
UPDATE: My brother finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Turns out his claim was held up because of a simple address verification issue. Agent fixed it on the spot and his benefits started processing immediately. Would have saved weeks of stress if he'd tried this earlier.
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Emma Taylor
•Ok I'm definitely going to try this for my overpayment issue. Been waiting way too long for answers.
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Connor Byrne
•Thanks everyone for the help and discussion. Really appreciate the economic insights and practical solutions!
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