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Dmitry Volkov

Do employers get mad when you file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

I got laid off from my restaurant job last week and I'm nervous about filing for unemployment benefits. My manager seemed pretty upset when they had to let me go due to slow business, and now I'm worried they'll be angry if I file with Washington ESD. Do employers get notified when you apply? Will this hurt my chances of getting hired back when things pick up? I really need the benefits to pay rent but don't want to burn bridges.

Employers do get notified when you file for unemployment, but that's completely normal and expected. They have to respond to Washington ESD about the reason for separation, but being laid off due to lack of work is a legitimate reason for UI benefits. You shouldn't feel bad about filing - that's exactly what unemployment insurance is for.

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Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I was worried they'd think I was being greedy or something.

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Definitely don't feel bad! You paid into the system through your paychecks, so you earned these benefits.

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Your employer will receive a Notice of Application from Washington ESD, and they have 10 days to respond with information about your separation. If you were truly laid off due to business reasons, they shouldn't contest your claim. Most employers understand that UI is part of doing business.

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What happens if they do contest it? I'm worried they might say I was fired instead of laid off.

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If they contest, Washington ESD will investigate and may schedule a fact-finding interview. As long as you were honest about the circumstances, you should be fine.

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I was in a similar situation last year - got laid off from a retail job and was scared to file. Turns out my manager actually recommended I apply for benefits when they let me go! Most reasonable employers know that UI helps people get through tough times.

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That's reassuring to hear. Did you end up getting rehired when business picked up?

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I found a different job before they called me back, but they did reach out a few months later. Filing for unemployment didn't hurt that relationship at all.

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If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to file your claim or get information about the process, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process much less stressful.

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I haven't tried calling Washington ESD yet - is it really that hard to get through?

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The phone lines are usually pretty busy, especially on Mondays. Claimyr basically calls for you and connects you when they get an agent on the line.

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Never heard of that service before but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone system is definitely frustrating.

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Some employers do get annoyed because UI claims can affect their unemployment tax rates, but that's not your problem to worry about. You have every right to file if you're eligible, and being laid off definitely qualifies you.

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I didn't know it affected their taxes. Now I feel bad again...

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Don't feel bad! That's just part of the cost of doing business. You didn't choose to get laid off.

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File ASAP! There's a waiting period and you want to get the process started. Washington ESD requires you to file within a certain timeframe to get benefits for all eligible weeks. Your employer's feelings shouldn't factor into this decision at all.

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You're right, I need to stop overthinking this. I'll file today.

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Good decision. You can file online through the Washington ESD website or call if you need help with the application.

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been through this before and honestly some employers do get weird about it but thats their problem not yours. you pay into unemployment insurance through your paychecks so you have every right to collect when you need it

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That's what I keep telling myself. Thanks for the perspective.

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I manage a small business and we've had to lay people off during slow periods. I always tell them to file for unemployment immediately - it's what the system is designed for. Any employer who gets mad about legitimate UI claims is being unreasonable.

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It's good to hear from an employer's perspective. That makes me feel much better about filing.

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This is exactly right. Good employers understand that UI is part of the safety net.

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The restaurant industry has high turnover anyway, so your employer has probably dealt with UI claims before. Don't let worry about their reaction prevent you from getting benefits you're entitled to.

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True, we did have a lot of people come and go. I'm probably overthinking this whole situation.

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File your claim but also start looking for other work right away. Washington ESD requires you to be actively searching for employment while collecting benefits. Keep a job search log and apply to at least 3 jobs per week.

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I already started looking online. How detailed does the job search log need to be?

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Pretty detailed - you need company names, positions applied for, dates, and method of contact. Washington ESD can audit your search activities.

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Your employer might actually be relieved that you're filing for unemployment. It shows you're taking responsibility for your situation rather than expecting them to figure out how to keep paying you when there's no work.

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I hadn't thought about it that way. Maybe they'll see it as me being proactive.

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Ugh the whole system is so stressful. I filed last month and my employer contested my claim even though I was clearly laid off due to COVID impacts. Now I'm stuck in adjudication and can't get anyone at Washington ESD on the phone to explain what's happening.

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That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. They can get you connected to an adjudicator to check on your claim status instead of waiting weeks for a callback.

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I might have to try that. This whole process is giving me anxiety.

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File your claim and don't worry about your employer's reaction. If they're professional, they'll understand. If they're not, then you probably don't want to work there anyway. Focus on getting the benefits you need and finding your next opportunity.

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You're absolutely right. I need to focus on taking care of myself right now.

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Just want to add that filing for unemployment doesn't prevent you from being rehired later. I've been laid off and rehired by the same company twice, and I filed for UI both times. It's just business.

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That's really reassuring to know. I was worried it would blacklist me somehow.

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The notification your employer gets is pretty standard and matter-of-fact. It's not like Washington ESD is tattling on you - they're just following required procedures to verify employment information.

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Good point. I was imagining some dramatic phone call but it's probably just paperwork.

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I've been on both sides of this as an employee and now as a small business owner. When we have to lay people off, I actually provide them with information about filing for unemployment. It's the right thing to do.

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I wish my manager had been that supportive. They seemed pretty stressed about the whole situation.

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They were probably stressed about having to lay people off, not about you potentially filing for benefits. Those are two separate issues.

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Don't overthink this - just file your claim today. The restaurant industry is tough and layoffs happen all the time. Your employer won't be surprised or offended that you're seeking unemployment benefits.

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Thanks everyone for all the advice and reassurance. I'm going to file my claim right now.

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Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time once your initial claim is approved.

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The whole point of unemployment insurance is to provide a safety net for situations exactly like yours. Your employer pays into the system specifically to cover these scenarios, so there's no reason to feel guilty about using it.

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That really puts it in perspective. I'm going to stop feeling guilty about this.

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If you have any issues with the Washington ESD website or need to speak with someone about your claim, I had good luck with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Saved me hours of trying to get through on the phone.

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I'll keep that in mind if I run into any problems. Hopefully the online filing process goes smoothly.

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Your employer's feelings about your UI claim are irrelevant. You were laid off through no fault of your own, and you're entitled to benefits. File immediately and don't look back.

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You're absolutely right. Time to stop worrying and start taking action.

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