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File online at the Washington ESD website - it's much faster than calling. You can create your account and file your initial claim right from home.
Good luck with your claim! Getting fired sucks but at least Washington state has a decent unemployment system. You should be able to get some financial support while you find your next job.
Good luck with the application! Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like he should qualify. The 5 months plus the previous restaurant work should put him over the wage threshold for sure.
One last tip - if you run into any technical issues with the online application or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD for any reason, that Claimyr service really does work. Used it myself when I had questions about my base period calculation. Much better than trying to call during normal business hours.
Honestly the hardest part isn't the 26 week limit, it's dealing with Washington ESD when you have problems. Their phone system is horrible and you can never get through to ask questions.
Good luck with your claim! Construction unemployment is really common, especially this time of year, so Washington ESD is used to processing those claims. Should be pretty straightforward for you.
The maximum benefit amount in Washington is actually pretty good compared to other states. $999 per week is decent money while you're job hunting. Just make sure you're actively looking for work because they do check up on that.
Good luck with your claim! The benefit amount calculation seems complicated at first but once you understand the formula it makes sense. Don't stress too much about getting the exact number ahead of time - you'll find out for sure when you file and they process your claim.
Eleanor Foster
Hang in there OP. The first few weeks are the hardest but once you get that first payment it's a huge relief. You'll get through this.
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Ryan Young
•Thanks for the encouragement. I really needed to hear that today.
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Madison Allen
Update us when you hear something! Always curious to hear how long people's claims take to process. And seriously, if you need to talk to ESD before then, check out Claimyr. That service saved my sanity.
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Ryan Young
•I definitely will update. And yeah, I'm probably going to try that service if I don't hear anything by Friday.
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Madison Allen
•Good plan. Sometimes just talking to a real person can give you peace of mind about where things stand.
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