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Don't stress too much about having every single detail perfect. You can make corrections later if needed. The important thing is to file as soon as possible because benefits are only paid from the date you file, not from when you became unemployed.
Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much more prepared now. Going to gather all my documents this weekend and file on Monday. Appreciate the detailed responses.
I think the confusion comes from some of the federal programs during COVID that had different rules. Regular state unemployment benefits have always been available multiple times as long as you meet eligibility.
Bottom line - no limit on how many times you can collect unemployment in Washington. Just need to meet the eligibility requirements each time. Your friend was definitely wrong about the lifetime limit thing.
anyone know if this is different for government employees? i work for the state and wondering if the same rules apply
This thread is super helpful! One more question - what if you worked multiple part-time jobs during the base period? Do all those wages get combined?
One more thing to keep in mind - if you're getting any severance pay from your employer, that might affect when your unemployment benefits can start. Washington ESD has rules about how severance impacts your eligibility timing.
Final thought - even though there can be delays and frustrations with Washington ESD, the unemployment benefits are definitely there and available. Most people who are eligible do eventually receive their payments. Just be patient and persistent if you run into any issues.
Daniel Rivera
For anyone still struggling to get information about their claim, I ended up using that Claimyr service and it was honestly a lifesaver. Finally got to speak with an actual person who could explain what was happening with my claim.
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Sophie Footman
•How much did it cost? I'm tempted but worried about the expense when I'm already not getting paid.
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Daniel Rivera
•I'd rather not discuss the cost publicly, but for me it was worth it to get answers after weeks of uncertainty. You can check their website for current pricing.
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Connor Rupert
Bottom line: expect 2-4 weeks for your first payment if everything goes smoothly, longer if there are complications. Keep filing those weekly claims and don't panic if it takes a little longer than expected. The system is slow but it usually works eventually.
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Lauren Wood
•This has been really helpful. I feel much better about the timeline now. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
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Molly Hansen
•Agreed, this thread has been super informative. Good luck to everyone still waiting for their benefits!
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