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For what it's worth, I've found that calling Washington ESD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through. Still takes forever but better odds than calling later in the day.
I tried that strategy for weeks with no luck. That's why I eventually gave up and used Claimyr to get through. Sometimes you just need to try a different approach when the normal methods aren't working.
The bottom line is you won't know for sure until you apply. The wage calculation is automatic and you'll get a determination pretty quickly if there are no other issues with your claim. Since you're still employed, it should be straightforward.
One last thing - if you're getting any other benefits like food stamps or medical assistance, make sure your unemployment income doesn't affect those programs. I had to report my UI benefits to other agencies too.
Update for anyone still reading - I ended up using Claimyr one more time this month when I needed clarification about how to report some consulting work. The agent I spoke with was really helpful and explained exactly how to handle irregular income on the weekly claims. Definitely recommend if you're stuck and can't get through on your own.
Has anyone used that Claimyr service that was mentioned? I'm not starting a job yet but I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD about my adjudication status for weeks with no luck.
Bottom line - keep filing your weekly claims and report your work honestly. That's the safest approach. Washington ESD makes it pretty clear what you need to do on the weekly claim form.
I've used Claimyr twice now when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about different issues. First time was about my benefit amount calculation, second time was about a job search requirement question. Both times it was so much easier than trying to get through on my own.
Bottom line: file your claim with Washington ESD online, file your weekly claims every week, and let Washington ESD handle all the payments. Your former employer is out of the picture once you're laid off, except for any separation information they provide to Washington ESD.
Skylar Neal
The bottom line is that unemployment benefits are designed to partially replace lost wages while you search for new work. It's not going to fully replace your old income, but it should help cover basic expenses if you budget carefully.
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Mason Stone
•That makes sense. I'm just hoping it'll be enough to keep me afloat until I find something new.
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Makayla Shoemaker
•Based on your $18/hour job, you should be looking at around $360/week if you worked consistently. That's definitely something to work with while job hunting.
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Vincent Bimbach
Actually used Claimyr myself when I had questions about my benefit calculation. The agent was able to look at my specific account and explain exactly how they arrived at my weekly amount. Much clearer than trying to decipher the website or automated phone system.
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Mason Stone
•Seems like a lot of people have had good luck with that service. I might give it a try if I run into issues.
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Vincent Bimbach
•Honestly wish I'd known about it sooner. Would have saved me a lot of confusion and wasted time on hold.
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