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The national unemployment rate is published monthly but it's based on surveys, not actual claims data. So it's more of a general economic indicator than something that directly affects your Washington ESD experience.
UPDATE: I tried Claimyr and finally got through to Washington ESD! Turns out my employer submitted conflicting information about my separation date and that's what was holding up the adjudication. The rep said it should be resolved within a week now that they know what the issue is. Thanks everyone, especially for the calling service recommendation. Six weeks of wondering what was wrong and it was resolved in one phone call.
Another thing to consider is that you have to actively look for work and report your job search activities. So while you're getting benefits, you're also expected to be trying to find new employment. It's not just free money.
If you're still having trouble reaching Washington ESD directly, I had good luck with Claimyr too. They got me connected to an agent who walked through my entire benefit calculation and explained why my amount was what it was. Really helped me understand the whole process.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info in this thread. I feel much more confident about handling my unemployment benefits on my taxes now. Going to look for that 1099-G in my SAW account right after I post this.
Final update from OP: Found my 1099-G in the correspondence section! Total benefits were $11,200 for the year. Now I need to figure out how much I'm going to owe in taxes. Thanks to everyone who helped point me in the right direction. This forum is a lifesaver for navigating the Washington ESD system.
Keep all your documentation too - your layoff notice, final paystub, any correspondence with your employer. You might need it later if there are any questions about your claim.
Once you get your claim approved, you'll get a debit card in the mail for your payments. It takes about a week to arrive, so don't worry if you don't get it right away after your first payment is processed.
CosmicCruiser
If anyone's still confused about this stuff, the Washington ESD eligibility requirements page has all the official details. Just prepare for some dense reading!
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Aisha Khan
•Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes it's better to go straight to the source even if it's harder to understand.
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CosmicCruiser
•Exactly. And if you still have questions after reading the official info, then you know what specific things to ask about when you call.
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Ethan Taylor
This whole thread has been way more helpful than the Washington ESD FAQ section. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and knowledge!
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Yuki Ito
•Agree! Real people sharing real experiences is so much more valuable than generic government websites.
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Ethan Taylor
•For sure. Hope this helps other people who are trying to figure out the same thing.
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