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If it makes you feel better, I've never seen a legitimate layoff claim get denied. The timing varies but the approval rate for clear layoff situations is very high. Hang in there!
Final thought - while you're waiting, make sure you have all your job search documentation organized. Once you're approved, you'll need to show you've been actively looking for work. Better to be prepared now than scramble later.
Remember to keep records of everything - when you filed, confirmation numbers, any correspondence from Washington ESD. You'll want that documentation if any issues come up later.
The maximum weekly benefit in Washington is around $1,000 but most people get way less than that. Don't expect to replace your full salary - unemployment is meant to be temporary assistance while you look for work.
For what it's worth, I think the Washington ESD system is actually pretty generous compared to other states. The $999 maximum is higher than most places and the partial benefit rules are fair.
The key thing is to file as soon as you're eligible. There's a waiting period anyway so don't delay. And if you run into any issues reaching Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service really does work - worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.
Construction worker here too. Filed in October and just finished my 26 weeks last month. The time really does fly by when you're actively job searching. Make sure you're networking and not just applying online - lots of construction jobs are still word of mouth and knowing the right people.
The 26 weeks is just for regular state unemployment. During the pandemic there were federal extensions that went way longer but those are long gone now. Don't count on any extensions unless there's another major economic crisis.
Maria Gonzalez
If anyone needs to actually speak with Washington ESD about benefit calculations, I used Claimyr recently and it was a game changer. Finally got to talk to someone who could explain my determination in detail.
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Emma Bianchi
•That's the second time someone mentioned that service. I might have to try it since I still don't fully understand my calculation.
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Maria Gonzalez
•It's definitely worth it if you're stuck trying to reach them through normal channels. The wait times are just impossible otherwise.
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Natalie Chen
Bottom line - wage cuts before unemployment will likely reduce your weekly benefit amount because Washington ESD bases it on your earnings during specific quarters in your base period. The 1930s thing was definitely a misunderstanding!
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Emma Bianchi
•Thanks everyone for clearing that up! I was so confused about the historical reference. Now I understand it's about my recent wage history affecting the calculation.
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Natalie Chen
•Glad we could help! The unemployment system terminology can be really confusing at first.
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