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Just wanted to add that if you were part of a mass layoff or plant closure, there might be additional resources available through the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) program. Worth checking into if that applies to your situation.
Last bit of advice - don't let the process stress you out too much. Yes, there are rules to follow and forms to fill out, but thousands of people go through this every week. Washington ESD has gotten pretty good at processing claims efficiently, especially compared to how backed up they were during COVID. You've got this!
I'd recommend calling Washington ESD if you don't hear anything after 10 business days from filing. Sometimes claims get stuck and need a nudge. That's when services like Claimyr come in handy since the phone lines are always busy.
Just a heads up that if your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, it can take several weeks to resolve. Don't panic if that happens - it's pretty common and doesn't mean you won't get approved.
Based on what you described you should definitely qualify. Being laid off is the clearest qualifying separation and 14 months of work history should meet the wage requirements. Good luck with your application!
honestly the whole process was way easier than i expected. i was worried about dealing with government bureaucracy but the calfresh folks were actually pretty helpful
Anastasia Smirnova
Since you're new to this, also remember that unemployment is taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later. Just something to keep in mind.
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Sofia Torres
•Oh right, I didn't think about taxes. I'll probably have them withheld to avoid a big bill later.
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Sean O'Brien
•Smart choice. I forgot about taxes my first time and got hit with a big bill at tax time.
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Zara Shah
The whole process really isn't that bad once you get started. The hardest part is just taking that first step and filing. You'll figure it out as you go.
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Sofia Torres
•Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going to start the application today.
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