If your position is eliminated are you eligible for unemployment - Washington ESD claim question

Yes, position elimination definitely qualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington. This is considered an involuntary separation, which is exactly what UI benefits are designed for. You'll need to wait until your actual last day of work to file your initial claim though - you can't file while you're still receiving wages.

Been through this exact situation last year when my position got eliminated. Filed my claim the day after my last paycheck and got approved pretty quickly. The key thing is that it has to be involuntary - which position elimination definitely is.

Just went through something similar and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on my claim status. If you run into that problem, I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

Position elimination is one of the clearest cases for unemployment eligibility. You didn't quit, you didn't get fired for misconduct - your job literally doesn't exist anymore. Washington ESD should approve that without any issues.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Start thinking about your job search strategy now so you're ready when you file.

Are you getting any severance package? That might affect when you can start collecting benefits. I think there's rules about severance pay and unemployment timing.

Position elimination is definitely qualifying but just be prepared for the Washington ESD system to be slow. I filed in December and it took forever to get through adjudication even though my case was straightforward.

Don't forget to gather all your employment documentation before your last day. Pay stubs, offer letter, anything showing your employment history. Sometimes Washington ESD needs verification.

One thing to remember is that your benefit amount will be based on your earnings over the past year, so if you've had consistent income your weekly benefit should be decent.

If you do run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, definitely consider using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it really does work for getting through their phone system.

Just remember that even though your situation is straightforward, you still need to file your weekly claims every week once you start receiving benefits. Don't skip weeks or your benefits will stop.

Position elimination is actually one of the easier unemployment situations to navigate. You have clear documentation, it's obviously involuntary, and there's no misconduct issues to worry about.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible after your last day. There's a waiting week but the sooner you file the sooner that clock starts ticking.

Since you have 60 days notice, use that time wisely. Start networking, updating your LinkedIn, researching companies in your field. The job market moves fast and having a head start will help.

I went through a position elimination in 2023 and the Washington ESD process was pretty smooth once I got my claim filed. The hardest part was actually reaching someone when I had questions about my claim status.

Don't stress too much about the process. Position elimination is textbook unemployment eligibility. Focus your energy on planning your job search strategy instead.

One last tip - keep detailed records of everything. Save copies of your elimination notice, final pay stub, any severance paperwork. Washington ESD might not ask for it but it's good to have just in case.

Your situation sounds very straightforward for unemployment benefits. Position elimination with 60 days notice and 6 years of employment history - Washington ESD should process that claim without any issues.

Good luck with everything! Position elimination is tough but at least you know you'll have unemployment benefits to help bridge the gap to your next job.

Just remember to stay on top of your weekly claims once you start receiving benefits. The system is pretty automated but you have to do your part by filing consistently.