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Back in 2016 the biggest complaint about Washington ESD was maybe waiting a week or two longer than expected. Now people wait months in adjudication with no updates. The system has definitely gotten worse over time.
To answer your original question - yes, 2016 was much better for unemployment benefits in Washington. Lower unemployment rate, faster processing, and you could actually reach customer service. We're dealing with the aftermath of system overload that never got fixed.
Just make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Having that stuff organized will make the application process much smoother.
The whole process can seem overwhelming at first but it's really not that complicated once you get started. Washington ESD's online system is pretty straightforward for filing the initial claim.
The whole system is set up to make you give up. I've been fighting a quit disqualification for 5 months now and I'm about ready to just find any job I can get.
Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses. This has been really eye-opening about how strict Washington ESD is with voluntary quits. I think I need to really document my situation thoroughly before making any decisions.
Good call. Documentation is everything when it comes to proving good cause to Washington ESD. Take photos, save emails, get witness statements - whatever applies to your situation.
Ingrid Larsson
Thanks everyone for explaining this! I was literally losing sleep thinking my old boss would have to pay my benefits directly. Knowing it comes from the insurance fund they already paid into makes me feel so much better about filing.
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Fatima Al-Rashid
•You earned those benefits through your work. Don't feel guilty about using them when you need them.
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Jamal Brown
•Exactly how I'm feeling now too. Thanks for asking the question!
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Carlos Mendoza
One last thing to remember - even if your employer contests your claim, Washington ESD makes the final decision based on the facts and state law. The employer's preference doesn't automatically disqualify you from benefits you're entitled to receive.
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KylieRose
•Yep, learned that firsthand when my employer's contest got denied by Washington ESD.
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Giovanni Rossi
•The adjudication process is designed to be impartial and fact-based, not employer preference-based.
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