Washington Unemployment
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How to make an unemployment claim - Washington ESD first time filing help needed
I got laid off from my retail job last week and have never filed for unemployment before. I know I need to go through Washington ESD but I'm completely lost on where to start. Do I just go to their website? What information do I need to have ready? How long does it take to get approved? I'm really stressed about paying my bills and don't want to mess this up.
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How long do you have to work somewhere to draw unemployment in Washington ESD?
I've been at my current job for about 6 months and I'm worried they might let me go due to budget cuts. I'm trying to figure out if I've worked long enough to qualify for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. Does anyone know what the minimum work requirement is? I worked at another place for 8 months before this job but there was a 2 month gap between jobs. Would that previous work count toward my eligibility?
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One thing to remember is that if you do get denied for any reason, you can appeal the decision. Don't just accept a denial if you think you qualify - fight it.
How long do you have to file an appeal if you get denied?
I think it's 30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait though - file as soon as you can if you disagree with their decision.
The Washington ESD online system is actually pretty good for checking your claim status once you file. Much better than trying to call for updates on routine stuff.
Good to know! Hopefully I won't need to use it but it's nice to know the online system works well.
Yeah, you can see your payment history, claim status, upload documents, all that stuff online. Makes the process much easier than it used to be.
Washington ESD - how long is an employer responsible for unemployment benefits after termination?
My former employer is disputing my unemployment claim saying they shouldn't have to pay for benefits because I was terminated for misconduct. This was back in November and I'm still dealing with adjudication. How long are employers actually on the hook for unemployment benefits in Washington? Is there a time limit where they stop being responsible for the costs? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but can never get through to get a straight answer.
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been following this thread and just wanted to say good luck with your adjudication. sounds like you have a solid case if the attendance issues were medical and documented
Thanks! I'm trying to stay optimistic but this whole process is so stressful.
hang in there. the waiting is the worst part but most legitimate claims do get approved eventually
To summarize for anyone else reading this: Washington employers are charged for unemployment benefits for the entire duration that their former employee collects benefits, provided the employee was eligible. The responsibility doesn't end after a set time period - it continues until benefits are exhausted, the claimant finds work, or becomes ineligible for other reasons.
This has been incredibly helpful. I feel like I actually understand the system now instead of just being confused and angry.
That's a perfect summary. The key point is that employer responsibility is tied to benefit duration, not calendar time.
Can I get unemployment if I was laid off from my job in Washington?
My company just let me go last Friday due to budget cuts and I'm wondering if I qualify for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. I worked there for 2 years full-time and they said it was a layoff, not because of anything I did wrong. I've never filed for unemployment before so I have no idea what the process looks like or if being laid off automatically means I qualify. Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before applying? Any advice would be really helpful.
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Don't forget about taxes on your unemployment benefits. Washington doesn't tax unemployment but the federal government does. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later when you file your tax return.
Should I have taxes withheld or pay them later?
Depends on your situation, but having them withheld saves you from a big tax bill later. You can always change the election if your circumstances change.
File your claim this week if possible. Benefits are backdated to when you first became unemployed, but only if you file within a reasonable time. Don't wait thinking you'll find a job quickly - you can always stop claiming if you find work.
That's good advice. I was thinking about waiting to see if I could find something quickly, but you're right that I can always stop if I find work.
Exactly. And if you do find work while collecting benefits, just make sure to report any wages on your weekly claims. Working part-time while on unemployment is allowed as long as you report it.
Can you get unemployment for a seasonal job in Washington - confused about eligibility
I worked as a ski instructor at Crystal Mountain from December through March and my employment just ended for the season. I'm wondering if I can file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD since this was seasonal work? I know I'll likely go back next winter but I need income for the summer months. Has anyone successfully gotten UI benefits after seasonal employment? I'm not sure if Washington ESD considers this a legitimate reason to file or if they'll deny my claim since I knew the job would end.
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Kaiya Rivera
Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm going to finish my application tonight and hopefully it goes smoothly. At least now I know what to expect and have backup options if I run into problems.
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Katherine Ziminski
Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims even while waiting for approval.
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Aurora St.Pierre
You got this! The first time is always the most confusing but it gets easier.
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Grace Johnson
Final reminder - keep track of EVERYTHING. Dates you applied for jobs, companies you contacted, any training or workshops you attend. The job search requirements are no joke and they do audit people.
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Kaiya Rivera
AuthorI'll make sure to document everything. Thanks for the warning!
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