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My appeal took 11 weeks total from filing to final decision. Hearing was scheduled at week 7, held at week 9, decision at week 11.
Check if your case qualifies for an expedited hearing due to financial hardship. Worth asking about when you finally get through to someone.
You need to contact the appeals office directly and explain your circumstances. They'll review it on a case by case basis.
This is another situation where Claimyr could help you get through to make that request.
Been through this twice unfortunately. First time I got denied because I was fired for violating safety rules. Second time got approved because I was terminated for not meeting sales targets. Washington ESD really does look at the specific circumstances.
File online ASAP through SecureAccess Washington. The sooner you get your claim in the system, the sooner the process can start. Even if it takes weeks to resolve, at least the clock is ticking.
Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks to clarify some tax withholding questions and finally got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took about 15 minutes to connect me to an actual person who answered all my questions.
The bottom line is unemployment benefits are taxed just like regular wages. If you normally have taxes withheld from your paycheck, you should probably have them withheld from unemployment too. Better safe than sorry at tax time.
Bottom line - you worked 2 years, got laid off through no fault of your own, and made decent wages. You're eligible. Stop worrying and just apply already!
Ella Thompson
Been on UI three different times over the past decade. Each time it's been exactly 26 weeks unless there were federal extensions (which there aren't right now). The amount you get per week varies based on your wages, but the duration is standard. Just make sure you don't miss any weekly claims or job search requirements.
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JacksonHarris
•Three times? That's rough. How do you handle the stress of knowing there's a hard cutoff at 26 weeks?
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Ella Thompson
•You just have to treat job searching like a full-time job. Apply everywhere, network constantly, and have backup plans. The 26-week deadline keeps you motivated.
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Jeremiah Brown
Quick question - does anyone know if vacation pay affects the 26-week duration? I'm getting paid out for 3 weeks of unused vacation time.
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Jeremiah Brown
•Thanks! So I'll still get the full 26 weeks, just starting later?
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Dominic Green
•Correct. The vacation pay disqualification doesn't reduce your total available benefits.
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