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Pro tip: when Washington ESD calls you for the separation interview, answer the phone! They usually only try a few times before making a decision based on available information. If you miss the call, call back immediately.
Final update from me: Got approved! Washington ESD determined that performance issues without willful misconduct don't disqualify you from benefits. Took exactly 3 weeks from filing to approval. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice.
Make sure your unemployment benefits aren't set to expire soon. Lenders want to see that you'll have income for the duration of the loan.
One last tip - if you get approved, set up automatic payments from your checking account. It shows the lender you're responsible and you might even get a small interest rate discount.
The whole Washington ESD system needs an overhaul. It's 2025 and we're still dealing with account numbers that nobody can find?? Come on!
UPDATE: Found it! It was in my spam folder in an email from Washington ESD from when I first applied. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
Perfect! And remember that Claimyr option if you ever need to reach an agent quickly in the future.
Just to add - if there ever are federal extensions or special programs in the future, Washington ESD will automatically determine if you qualify. You won't need to file separate applications.
Sunny Wang
Make sure you understand the waiting week too. You don't get paid for your first week of unemployment in Washington. So even if you qualify for benefits, your first payment won't come until week 2.
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Dyllan Nantx
•Wait, there's a waiting week? Nobody mentioned that!
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Sunny Wang
•Yeah, one week waiting period before benefits start. It's been that way for years. Plan your finances accordingly.
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Hugh Intensity
Last tip - set up direct deposit if you can. Paper checks take forever and sometimes get lost in the mail. Direct deposit hits your account within 1-2 business days of processing.
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Dyllan Nantx
•Definitely will do that. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This thread answered way more questions than the Washington ESD website.
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Rajan Walker
•Glad we could help! And remember, if you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort things out.
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