


Ask the community...
Check with local churches and community organizations too. They often know about resources that aren't widely advertised, especially for people transitioning off unemployment.
Whatever you do, don't wait until the last minute to figure this out. Start exploring all your options now while you still have a few weeks of benefits coming in.
One last thing - you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to continue receiving benefits, even if you haven't heard back about your initial application. This is called 'continuing to claim' and it's required to keep your benefits active.
Weekly claims open on Sunday and you have until Saturday to file. Most people file on Sunday or Monday. You'll answer questions about your job search activities and any work or income you had that week.
The bottom line is that unemployment benefits are there to help you get back on your feet after losing your job. It's not charity - it's insurance that you and your employer paid into. Don't feel bad about using it, and don't let the complex system discourage you from applying!
Good luck! And remember, if you run into any problems getting through to Washington ESD, there are services like Claimyr that can help you actually reach a human being when you need assistance.
Filed mine 2 weeks ago and just got my first payment today. The waiting period is real but once things start moving it goes smoothly. Hang in there!
The key is to be patient but also stay informed about what's happening with your claim. Check your account regularly and don't hesitate to call if something seems off.
Just want to echo what others have said about the importance of filing every week. I know someone who missed two weeks thinking it didn't matter since she wasn't getting paid yet, and it created a huge mess.
Malik Jenkins
For anyone reading this later - the Washington ESD website has a good calculator tool where you can estimate how working part-time will affect your benefits. Helps you plan out whether taking a job makes financial sense.
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Raj Gupta
•Oh that sounds really useful! I'll definitely check that out before I start working more hours.
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Freya Andersen
Bottom line: filing unemployment while working is totally legal and normal IF you report your work honestly. The only time you get in trouble is if you try to hide it or lie about your earnings. Washington ESD actually encourages people to work while claiming because it helps you transition back to full employment.
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Raj Gupta
•This whole thread has been amazing. I feel so much more confident about filing now. Thank you all!
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Lena Müller
•Happy to help! Hope your claim goes smoothly and you get the support you need.
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