Do employers know when you file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Oh no, that's exactly what I was afraid of. Will they see all my personal information or just that I filed?

They get basic info like your dates of employment and reason for separation. They can't see your claim amount or personal details beyond what's needed to verify eligibility.

I guess you're right, I just feel embarrassed about the whole situation.

totally understand the embarrassment but you gotta take care of yourself first

I was technically laid off due to budget cuts, so hopefully they won't contest it. Thanks for explaining how it works!

Budget cuts are usually pretty straightforward for Washington ESD. You should be fine as long as you're honest about the circumstances.

Had the same situation last year - laid off due to budget issues and my employer didn't contest. Got approved within a week.

Same here! I tried calling at 8 AM sharp when they open and still couldn't get through. The system is completely overwhelmed.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have some kind of system that gets you connected faster. Check out claimyr.com - there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Easy for you to say, you don't know my specific situation with my former boss.

fair point, sorry for being harsh about it

Good to know the timeline. So I should expect to hear something within about two weeks?

Usually faster than that if there's no contest. Many straightforward claims get approved within a week.

Mine took exactly 8 days from filing to approval last month. No issues with my employer contesting it.

That's actually a really good point. I guess I was making it more personal than it needs to be.

Exactly right. Most employers understand that unemployment benefits are part of the safety net for situations like this.

Just the initial claim. They don't get notified about your weekly claim filings unless there's a specific issue that requires their input.

Thanks, that's what I thought but wanted to confirm.

Washington ESD looks at your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters) and may contact any employer you worked for during that time if they contributed to your wage credits.

Oh wow, I didn't realize it could go back that far. That's good to know before I file.

I checked out that video demo you mentioned and it looks legit. Might give it a try since I'm getting nowhere with regular calling.

Is there a cost for using Claimyr? Seems too good to be true.

There is a fee but honestly it was worth it for me to actually get answers instead of wasting entire days trying to call.

How long did the appeal process take? That sounds stressful.

About 6 weeks total, but I got back pay for the whole period once I won. The key was having good documentation to support my case.

This is exactly why the system works the way it does. It protects legitimate claimants while preventing fraud.

Good for you! Hope your claim goes through smoothly.

You made the right decision. Keep us posted on how it goes.

Proud of you for taking that step! Remember, you paid into this system through your paychecks - you've earned these benefits.

Smart move! I was in a similar situation last year - kept putting off filing because I was embarrassed about my layoff. Once I finally did it, the whole process was way less dramatic than I'd built up in my head. Your former employer probably won't even think twice about it, especially since you mentioned it was budget cuts. Best of luck with your claim!

That's reassuring to know. I'm feeling more confident about this whole process now.

Exactly my experience. The contest made me nervous but the investigation was fair and I got approved in the end.

dude you're losing money every week you wait! file now!

Two months is a long time to go without benefits you're entitled to. The employer notification shouldn't stop you from getting the help you need.

you're both right, I'm filing this weekend

That's a good way to think about it. Takes some of the stigma away.

Exactly. There's no shame in using a system you paid into when you need it.

You need to report new employment to Washington ESD when you file your weekly claims. They handle any necessary communications with employers. You don't need to contact your old employer directly about your claim status.

Thanks, that makes sense. Good to know Washington ESD handles the coordination.

Wow, that really puts it in perspective. Thanks for sharing your experience.

this is exactly the kick in the pants I needed to hear

Learn from my expensive lesson! File as soon as you're eligible.

I'll check that out too. Good to get information from multiple sources.

I tried looking at their website but found it confusing. That's why I was hoping to talk to an actual person.

That's really nice to hear. Maybe I'm worrying about nothing.

Most reasonable employers understand that layoffs aren't personal and that unemployment benefits are part of the system for exactly these situations.

You're absolutely right. I need to stop worrying about their opinion and focus on taking care of myself.

Well said. Your financial security is more important than managing someone else's potential reaction.