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My advice as someone who's been through this - use your exhaustee status as motivation to really focus your job search. Sometimes having that deadline pressure helps you take opportunities you might have passed on before.
One last thing - if you do find temporary or part-time work as an exhaustee, keep track of those wages. They count toward your next base period if you need to file another claim later. Every bit of work income helps your future eligibility.
Bottom line: work the hours you want/need, report all earnings honestly, and stay available for full-time work. Washington state is pretty reasonable about letting people work part-time while collecting as long as you follow the rules.
One last tip - if your part-time job leads to a full-time offer, make sure you understand how that affects your remaining unemployment benefits. You might be able to get some additional assistance for things like work clothes or transportation through WorkSource.
Healthcare workers faced unique challenges during COVID layoffs and now staffing shortages. Burnout is causing people to leave the field entirely which creates more unemployment in other sectors when facilities close.
Bottom line is unemployment can affect anyone but the system isn't equally accessible to everyone. Some people have resources and knowledge to navigate it better than others.
Which is why services like Claimyr are helpful - they level the playing field a bit by handling the phone maze for you. Check claimyr.com if you need help reaching Washington ESD.
Bottom line - you can collect for up to 26 weeks as long as you meet all requirements, file weekly claims on time, and don't exhaust your maximum benefit amount early. Use the time wisely to find new employment.
Zoe Dimitriou
For anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. I was skeptical at first but it saved me so much time and stress. Being able to actually talk to someone who could see my account and explain what was happening was worth every penny.
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Fatima Al-Hashemi
•How much does it cost?
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Zoe Dimitriou
•I'd rather not discuss pricing in public but it was very reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saved me. Check their website for current rates.
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Dylan Mitchell
Bottom line OP - expect 3-6 weeks realistically, file your weekly claims religiously, respond to any requests immediately, and keep records of everything. The system works but it's slow and bureaucratic.
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Ethan Brown
•Thanks everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared now.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Good luck! Hope your claim goes smoothly and quickly.
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