How many days of unemployment benefits available on Washington ESD after work authorization expires?

That's what I was afraid of. So there's no way to get any benefits while waiting for visa renewal?

Correct, work authorization is a fundamental requirement for Washington ESD unemployment benefits.

No, you have to maintain work authorization throughout your entire benefit period. If it expires, your benefits stop.

Oh wow, that's really harsh for people in visa situations.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It actually got me connected after weeks of trying on my own.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate at this point.

They basically handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Pretty straightforward to use.

I mean, work authorization isn't really a 'technical reason' - it's a pretty fundamental requirement for employment.

Still feels unfair when you've been paying into the system.

So once I get my new work authorization, could I potentially apply then? Or is there a time limit from when I was laid off?

You generally need to file within a certain timeframe of becoming unemployed, but the exact rules can be complex. You'd want to check with Washington ESD directly.

4 months?! How did she survive financially during that time?

Family help mostly. It was really tough.

How do you even get official guidance though? I've been trying to reach them for my own issue and it's impossible.

I actually used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I had adjudication issues. It's legit - got me connected to an actual Washington ESD representative who could answer my specific questions. Way better than the endless hold times.

That would be outside Washington ESD's scope. You might want to look into local social services or nonprofit organizations that help with emergency assistance.

Thanks, I'll look into that. This whole situation is so stressful.

Student visas have very specific work authorization rules. OPT holders might be eligible if they meet all other requirements, but it depends on the specific circumstances and whether they maintain their status.

This is all so confusing. Immigration law mixed with unemployment law is a nightmare.

So I might not be able to get benefits even after my visa is renewed? This keeps getting worse.

Don't panic yet - every case is different. You really need to speak with Washington ESD directly about your specific situation once you have authorization again.

Exactly. And Washington ESD representatives are usually better equipped to handle these complex cases than trying to figure it out from general information online.

Which brings us back to the problem of actually reaching Washington ESD in the first place...

That's good advice. I hadn't thought about consulting an immigration attorney about the unemployment aspect.

They can help you understand how unemployment benefits might affect your visa status too, which is another consideration.

Yeah, that's becoming pretty clear. Thanks everyone for the reality check, even if it's not what I wanted to hear.

Sorry it's not better news. Hopefully your visa renewal goes smoothly and you can get back to work soon.

Good point. I definitely need to research that angle too.

Yeah, public charge considerations can be tricky. Definitely worth discussing with an immigration attorney.

How much does it cost though? If someone's unemployed and not getting benefits, money is probably tight.

I don't remember the exact cost, but it was worth it for me to get actual answers instead of guessing. Check their website for current pricing.