How to apply for disaster unemployment Washington ESD after flooding damaged my workplace

How do I find out if my county was included? The flooding was pretty widespread but I'm not sure about the federal declaration part.

Check FEMA's website or Washington ESD's homepage - they'll post notices about disaster declarations and DUA availability. You can also call Washington ESD directly to ask.

30 days?? That's not very long. Do you remember how long it took to get approved and start receiving payments?

It took about 3 weeks for me, but that was during a really busy time. Make sure you have all your documentation ready - proof of employment, proof you were affected by the disaster, etc.

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check that out. The regular phone lines have been impossible.

I've heard mixed things about those calling services. Are they legit?

Yeah it's legit, they just help you get through the phone queue. Way better than sitting there redialing for hours.

DUA is for people who don't qualify for regular UI or whose regular UI ran out. You can't collect both simultaneously. If you're eligible for regular unemployment, you'd typically apply for that first.

Oh ok that makes sense. So it's like a backup option for disaster situations.

DUA payments are usually the same amount as regular UI benefits for your state. But if you're eligible for regular unemployment, definitely start that process now rather than waiting. You can always switch later if DUA becomes available and you qualify.

Good point, I'll start the regular application today. Better to have something in progress than wait around.

That's really good advice about the documentation. I did take some photos of the flooding at work, so I'll make sure to keep those safe.

Yes definitely! And save any emails or texts from your boss about the closure. They might ask for proof that it was disaster-related and not just a regular business closure.

I was definitely working full time when this happened, so I should be ok on that front. Do they require the same job search activities as regular unemployment?

DUA usually has different job search requirements since the whole point is that disaster affected the local job market. But you'll still need to be able and available to work.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - their whole thing is getting you past those phone issues. Worth checking out if you really need to talk to someone.

I actually got through yesterday morning around 8:15 AM. Try calling right when they open, seems like that's the only time the lines aren't completely jammed.

Thanks, I'll try the early morning approach first before looking into other options.

You're supposed to report when you return to work, but there might be some flexibility if it's a temporary reopening. Definitely something to ask Washington ESD about when you apply - each situation can be different.

That makes sense. I'll make sure to ask about partial reopening scenarios when I talk to them.

Exactly! That's why I always tell people to start regular UI immediately if they might qualify. At least you get something coming in while you wait to see about DUA.

Good strategy. Better to have some income than sit around waiting for perfect information.

Yes, DUA can cover self-employed individuals in disaster situations, which is different from regular UI that typically doesn't. You'd need to show proof of your self-employment income and that the disaster directly affected your ability to work.

That's a relief! I was worried I'd be completely out of luck since I don't qualify for regular unemployment.

I haven't seen anything like that announced yet, but that would be really helpful. I'll keep an eye out for any local announcements.

The Red Cross center downtown might have information about disaster assistance programs too. Worth checking with them.

Good reminder! I did start the FEMA application but it's taking forever to process. At least the unemployment might come through faster.

Yeah FEMA can be really slow. But every bit helps when you're dealing with disaster recovery.

Thanks for the heads up! I'll start pulling together all my employment documents and pay stubs. Better to be over-prepared.

Exactly! And make copies of everything before you submit. Things have a way of getting lost in the system.

You're right to check on that. DUA is only available after a federal disaster declaration, and Washington ESD will announce when applications open. Keep checking their website and social media for updates.

Thanks, I'll keep monitoring their announcements. Don't want to miss the window if it does get approved.

That's really encouraging! I think I'm going to try that if I can't get through on my own in the next day or two.

Did they charge you a lot for that service?

It was worth it for me to finally get answers instead of wasting more time redialing. Check their website for current pricing.

Good to know about the waiting period. Every piece of timeline information helps with planning finances right now.

Yeah it's frustrating when you need money immediately, but at least knowing the timeline helps you plan for other assistance in the meantime.

Smart approach! Starting with regular UI gives you the best chance of getting some income flowing while you wait to see what disaster options become available.

Good luck with everything! The process can be overwhelming but having some income coming in makes a huge difference while you're dealing with disaster recovery.