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One last thing - if you find part-time work while on unemployment, you can still collect partial benefits as long as you report the earnings. Don't assume you have to be completely unemployed.
oh and get the ESD mobile app if you have a smartphone, makes filing weekly claims way easier than using the website
Also wanted to mention that if you're worried about calling ESD and can't get through the normal way, that Claimyr thing people mentioned actually works pretty well. I was skeptical at first but it connected me within 45 minutes when I'd been trying to call for weeks on my own.
Just a heads up - the Washington ESD system does maintenance on Sunday nights sometimes, so if you can't access it then, try again Monday morning.
Last piece of advice - keep copies of everything you submit and save confirmation numbers. If something goes wrong later, you'll need that documentation to prove you filed correctly and on time.
Does anyone know if you can get DUA if you were already receiving regular unemployment when the disaster hit? My UI claim was ongoing when the flood happened and now I can't get back to work search because everything's closed.
You can't get both at the same time, but you might be able to switch from regular UI to DUA if it would be more beneficial. Talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation.
Thanks, I'll call them. Or try that Claimyr thing if I can't get through the regular way.
The weekly amount calculation is: (highest quarter wages ÷ 25) + $15 for dependents if applicable. Same formula as regular UI. Min $295, max $999 for 2025 in Washington.
Victoria Charity
welcome to the unemployment club nobody wants to join! but seriously the washington system is pretty user friendly once you get started. you got this
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Sarah Jones
•Haha thanks! Hopefully I won't be in this club for too long but good to know the system works.
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Jasmine Quinn
Last piece of advice - once you start getting benefits, keep detailed records of everything. Your job search activities, any work you do, any contact with Washington ESD. It makes life easier if any issues come up later.
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Sarah Jones
•Great advice! I'll start a folder to keep track of everything unemployment related.
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Jordan Walker
•Smart approach. Good record keeping can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
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