How to collect unemployment - Washington ESD claim filing help needed

Thanks! Do I need to know exact dates of employment or just approximate?

Try to be as exact as possible. Have your last pay stub ready - that helps with dates and wages.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week? I heard it was 3 but someone told me it might be more now.

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, networking, interviews, etc. Just keep good records.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD.

Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than sitting on hold for hours and getting hung up on.

What if my employer contests my claim? I'm worried they might say I was fired for cause even though it was just layoffs.

If they contest it goes to adjudication. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Just be honest about the circumstances.

Adjudication can take time especially if there are any issues with your work history or separation reason. Frustrating but unfortunately normal.

Three weeks though? That's ridiculous. I'm about to lose my apartment.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr - got through to someone who could actually check my claim status instead of just waiting in the dark.

Is that separate from the unemployment application? Another website I need to sign up for?

Yes it's separate - worksourcewa.com. You need to create a profile there within a certain timeframe after filing your UI claim.

It's based on your earnings from the last 4 quarters. Maximum weekly benefit in Washington is around $1015 but most people get less. There's a calculator on the Washington ESD website.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Hopefully it's enough to cover rent at least.

Good idea! How often do system problems happen?

More often than they should. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your benefits.

How long has it been? I'm going crazy not knowing what's happening with my claim.

Filed 4 weeks ago, finally got approved last week. First payment should come this week hopefully.

Oh man I didn't even think about taxes. Should I have them withhold or just deal with it next year?

Depends on your situation but I'd recommend having them withhold 10%. Easier than owing a big chunk later.

Where do you log them? In the weekly claim?

Yeah when you file your weekly claim it asks about your job search activities. Just need dates, company names, and what you did.

Yeah I'm already feeling overwhelmed just thinking about it. But I guess I don't have a choice.

It gets easier once you do it a few times. The initial claim is the hardest part.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

Way less than I expected for what you get. Check their website for current pricing. Worth it to avoid the stress of trying to reach Washington ESD on your own.

What's the difference? I thought they were the same thing.

Able and available means you're physically and mentally capable of working and available for work. Actively seeking means you're actually looking for jobs. You need both.

I only had one job but worked some overtime. Do I need to mention that specifically?

No just list the employer. They'll get your wage info from your employer anyway.

Exactly! One little mistake and they make your life hell trying to fix it.

That's why it's important to be accurate from the start. Take your time with the initial application.

What if it's just like helping a friend move and they give me $50? Do I need to report that?

Technically yes if it's work for payment. Better to over-report than under-report when it comes to Washington ESD.

That's reassuring. I was worried it would be complicated the whole time.

Nah once you're in the system it's pretty automated. The hard part is getting started and dealing with any issues that come up.

Should I scan everything or are photos on my phone okay?

Either works but make sure they're clear and readable. I keep both physical copies and digital backups just in case.

Good luck! Remember we're all here if you run into issues along the way.

You got this! The first step is always the hardest.

And remember about Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. Saved me a lot of headaches.