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The 26 week thing surprised me because my sister in Oregon got like 30+ weeks during the same time period. Guess it varies by state.
The scariest part is not knowing what jobs will be safe in the future. Even white-collar work isn't protected anymore with AI getting so advanced.
Just want to add that if you're filing for Washington ESD benefits after a tech layoff, make sure to keep good records of your job search. They're pretty strict about the work search requirements even though finding work in your field might be impossible now.
Final thought - even if you only get partial backdating, you'll also be establishing your claim for ongoing weekly benefits. That's the most important thing. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good here.
Success update: I finally got through and filed my claim! Thanks everyone for the push I needed. Now I just have to wait and see what happens with the backdating situation.
One more thing - if you do quit and file, be 100% honest on your application about why you left. Lying about it will only make things worse if they find out during the investigation.
Good luck whatever you decide. Job situations like this really suck and I hope you find something better soon, whether that's through fixing your current situation or finding a new position.
Carlos Mendoza
The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is pretty decent compared to other states - around $1,015 per week if you qualified for the highest amount. But that's before taxes. Still, 26 weeks of that is substantial support while job hunting.
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Jamal Brown
•That would definitely help us stay afloat while he's looking. Hopefully his construction wages were high enough to qualify for a decent weekly amount.
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Zainab Mahmoud
Final piece of advice - start the job search immediately even before the first benefit payment arrives. The job market is competitive and 26 weeks can disappear quickly if you wait too long to get serious about finding work. Use every resource available including unemployment workshops and networking events.
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Jamal Brown
•Great advice. I think we were planning to take a week or two to decompress, but you're right that we should start immediately. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!
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