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if you end up having trouble reaching washington esd about your benefits, i second the recommendation for claimyr. i was skeptical at first but they really do get you through to someone when you need help. saved me a lot of stress when my claim got held up
The whole process is actually pretty smooth once you get started. Washington ESD has improved their system a lot since the pandemic. Just file your claim and follow the instructions they give you.
One thing to watch out for - make sure your employer doesn't report the severance incorrectly to Washington ESD. Mine reported it as regular wages which caused problems with my claim.
Thanks for this thread everyone. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. Going to do it today instead of waiting for my severance to end.
Just wanted to say good luck with this. The system is really confusing and it's hard to get straight answers. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for asking questions - worker classification is legitimately complicated.
Final thought - document everything from now on. If you do decide to pursue this, Washington ESD will want detailed records of your work relationship. Save emails, contracts, work schedules, anything that shows how much control your client had over your work.
Make sure you keep track of all your work hours and pay stubs. If Washington ESD ever audits your claim, you'll want documentation of everything you reported.
Nia Davis
Just remember that even after your regular unemployment runs out, you might be eligible for other assistance programs like food stamps or DSHS benefits while you continue job searching.
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Amina Diop
•That's something I hadn't considered. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know options exist.
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Nia Davis
•Yeah, just something to keep in mind for financial planning. The transition from unemployment benefits to finding work can sometimes take longer than the 26 weeks allows.
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Mateo Perez
One last tip - keep detailed records of everything related to your claim. Dates you filed, job search activities, any correspondence with Washington ESD. If there are ever issues with your claim, having good documentation helps resolve them faster.
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Amina Diop
•Great advice! I'll start a folder with all my unemployment paperwork. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information.
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Oliver Weber
•You're welcome! The key is staying informed about the requirements and staying consistent with your weekly claims and job searches. Good luck with your job search!
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