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The unemployment system in Washington is actually pretty good compared to other states. The weekly benefit amounts are decent and the online system works most of the time. Just be prepared for long wait times if you need to call them about anything complicated.
Yeah, Claimyr. Check out claimyr.com if you're curious. They have a demo video that shows exactly how it works.
Bottom line - you don't need to do anything special about unemployment insurance right now. It's automatic as long as you're working as a W2 employee. Focus on doing good work and building your career, and know that the safety net is there if you ever need it.
Just want to emphasize that you need to keep filing weekly claims for your entire benefit year, even if you find temporary work. You might need those benefits again if the temporary job doesn't work out.
The weekly payment system in Washington is pretty straightforward once you understand it. File every week, report your earnings honestly, do your job search, and the money comes regularly. It's not complicated, just consistent.
One last tip - if you're having trouble with the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account creation, that's separate from the Washington ESD website. Sometimes people get confused between the two.
One more thing - if you've worked in other states recently, you might need to file in a different state depending on where you earned the most wages. Washington has reciprocity agreements with most states though.
Bottom line: file as soon as you're unemployed or have reduced hours. The system is designed to help people who act quickly. Waiting just hurts you financially.
Cole Roush
Pro tip: start looking for jobs immediately even before your claim is approved. The job market is competitive right now and unemployment benefits don't last forever.
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Taylor To
•Already started updating my resume and browsing job boards. Definitely don't want to be unemployed any longer than necessary.
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Scarlett Forster
Final thought - document everything related to your termination while it's still fresh in your memory. Dates, conversations, witnesses, emails, etc. You never know what might be important if this goes to an appeal.
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Taylor To
•Great advice. I'm going to write down everything I can remember from the past few weeks leading up to my termination.
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Scarlett Forster
•Smart move. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be if your employer tries to contest the claim.
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