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Good luck with your claim! Layoffs are usually straightforward for Washington ESD to process compared to other separation types. You should be approved as long as everything else checks out.
Just to add another perspective - I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. When Washington ESD contacts employers about separation, they're specifically looking to verify the circumstances you reported. Since you mentioned having a layoff notice, definitely upload that documentation. It makes the verification process much smoother and faster. Also, be aware that if your company is doing multiple layoffs, Washington ESD might already be familiar with your employer's situation, which can actually help speed up your claim processing.
That's really helpful insight from the employer side! I didn't realize Washington ESD might already be familiar with my company's layoffs. We had about 200 people let go when they closed our whole division, so hopefully that makes the process smoother. I'll definitely upload that layoff notice - it has all the official details about the closure and lists me specifically as affected by the reduction in force.
That's really helpful to know from the HR perspective! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my whole department got eliminated. It sounds like having that official documentation really makes a difference. Do you know if there's anything else we should include when uploading documents to make sure Washington ESD has everything they need for the separation verification?
This thread has been super helpful! I'm only on week 8 but good to know what I'm working with timeline-wise. Gives me a better sense of urgency for my job search.
Thanks for asking this question! I'm also navigating unemployment for the first time and the 26-week limit was something I wasn't fully aware of when I started. It's definitely motivating to know there's a firm deadline. One thing I've learned is that Washington ESD's website has a benefit calculator that can help you track exactly how many weeks you have left based on your earnings history. Also worth noting that if you do any part-time or freelance work while collecting, it might stretch out your benefit period since you won't be using your full weekly amount each time. Good luck with your job search - the tech market is challenging but there are opportunities out there!
That's really good advice about the benefit calculator! I didn't know Washington ESD had that tool. I'll definitely check it out to keep better track of my remaining weeks. The part-time work tip is interesting too - I've been hesitant to take on any freelance projects because I wasn't sure how it would affect my benefits, but it sounds like it might actually help extend things a bit. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Final update from my end - I contacted Washington ESD today using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got everything sorted out for my move. The agent confirmed I can continue my benefits in Oregon and walked me through exactly what I need to do. Thanks everyone for the advice!
This is exactly the information I needed! I'm planning to move from Washington to Colorado next month while still on unemployment and was worried about the process. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring. It sounds like as long as I update my address promptly and keep up with my weekly claims, I should be fine. I'm definitely going to check out that Claimyr service too since I've had terrible luck trying to reach ESD by phone in the past. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it really helps to hear from people who've actually been through this!
Welcome to the conversation! Your situation sounds very similar to what many of us have gone through. Colorado is a great state and you should have no issues continuing your Washington benefits there. Just make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities in your new location - that seems to be the key thing Washington ESD cares about. The interstate system really does work once you understand the process. Good luck with your move!
Adding to what everyone else has shared - I just went through this exact process with StaffPro in January. My 10-month IT support contract ended and I was also getting the runaround about "keeping me in their system." Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: 1. Screenshot/save ANY communication from the agency saying they don't have work available - even text messages count as documentation 2. When you file, the system will ask for your "reason for separation" - select "lack of work" not "end of contract" 3. Keep a detailed log of every interaction with the agency moving forward (dates, times, who you spoke with, what was discussed) I got approved in about a week with zero pushback from the agency. The ESD rep I eventually spoke to said temp assignments ending is one of the most straightforward unemployment cases they handle - it's clearly "lack of work" which is exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for. Don't let them string you along while your bills pile up. You paid into this system and you're entitled to use it when you need it. File now and start getting the benefits you've earned!
@Diego Fernández This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I especially appreciate the tip about selecting lack "of work instead" of end "of contract -" I probably would have chosen the wrong option and caused myself unnecessary delays. Your point about screenshotting communications is spot on too. I just went back and saved the text message where my agency said they don "t'have anything right now so" I have that documented. It s'reassuring to hear from so many people who ve'been through this successfully. I was really overthinking it, but you re'absolutely right - this is exactly what the system is designed for. Filing tomorrow morning!
I went through this exact situation with Apex Staffing about 6 months ago. My contract ended on a Friday and I was honestly scared to file because I kept reading conflicting info online, but I'm so glad I did it right away. Here's what worked for me: The key is being super clear that your ASSIGNMENT ended, not that you left the agency. I used the exact wording "My temporary assignment ended on [date] due to completion of the project. The staffing agency has no other suitable positions available at this time." Got approved in about 8 days with no issues. The agency did call me once about a position that was completely different (customer service vs my IT background) and way less pay, but I documented why it wasn't suitable and had no problems. One tip that saved me stress - I set up direct deposit right when I filed so I wouldn't have to worry about mail delays. Also, make sure you're doing your weekly claims on the same day each week - it makes tracking everything easier. You've got this! Don't let financial stress keep you from claiming benefits you've already earned through your work.
@Salim Nasir Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I really appreciate the specific wording you used - My "temporary assignment ended on [date] due to completion of the project. The staffing agency has no other suitable positions available at this time. That" s'exactly the kind of clear, factual language I was looking for. The direct deposit tip is great too - I definitely don t'want to deal with any mail delays on top of everything else. It s'so reassuring to hear from multiple people who ve'been through this successfully. I was really second-guessing myself, but reading all these responses has given me the confidence to move forward. Filing first thing Monday morning!
Malik Thomas
I'm in almost the exact same situation! Just accepted a position that starts September 3rd, so I have about 4 weeks of benefits left to navigate. This entire thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there were so many others dealing with this exact timing issue. The standby status option sounds perfect for my timeframe, and I'm definitely calling ESD tomorrow to inquire about it. The email template everyone's sharing for handling interview requests is exactly what I needed - I've been so worried about how to be professional while being honest about my situation. It's really reassuring to hear that most employers actually respect the transparency. One thing that's been weighing on me is whether I should proactively mention my accepted position in my job applications during this period, or only bring it up if I get interview requests. Has anyone tried mentioning it upfront in applications, or is it better to wait until there's actual employer interest? Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed real-world advice - this community support is invaluable!
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Miguel Ortiz
•Great question about when to mention your accepted position! From my experience, I'd recommend NOT mentioning it upfront in applications during your job search activities. Here's why: 1) You still need to demonstrate you're genuinely seeking work for ESD compliance, and mentioning an accepted position in applications might signal you're not truly available. 2) Most employers won't even read applications from people who aren't actually available. 3) It's better to complete legitimate job search activities and only disclose your situation IF you get interview requests. That way you're meeting your requirements while being ethical. Save the transparency for when there's actual mutual interest - that's when the email template everyone's sharing becomes perfect. You're doing the right thing by being thoughtful about this!
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Connor Murphy
I'm actually going through this exact situation right now too! Just accepted a position that starts September 12th, so I have about 5 weeks left on unemployment. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the standby status option and will definitely be calling ESD tomorrow to ask about it. The email template everyone's sharing for handling interview requests is perfect - I've been really anxious about how to handle that professionally. It's so reassuring to hear from people who've actually been through this and that employers generally appreciate the honesty. One thing I'm curious about - for those who successfully used the standby status, how quickly did ESD process it? Since I have 5 weeks left, I'm wondering if it's worth pursuing or if the approval might take just as long as my remaining benefit period. Either way, I feel so much more confident about navigating this after reading everyone's experiences. Thank you all for sharing such practical, real-world advice!
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