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The timing really matters here. If your permit expires while you're receiving benefits, you'll need to report that change immediately. Washington ESD requires you to report any changes that affect your eligibility.
Just want to echo what others have said about calling Washington ESD directly. Every situation is different and you need official guidance, not just forum advice. The Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier could really help you get through.
Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to try Claimyr to reach Washington ESD and also look into talking to an immigration attorney. At least now I have a better understanding of what I'm dealing with.
Don't stress too much about the requirements - if you've been working steadily for 2 years you almost certainly qualify. The worst they can do is say no, and then you can appeal if needed.
For anyone still confused about benefit amounts, Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website. It's not perfect but gives you a rough idea of what to expect.
Bottom line - if you made good money, you'll probably get a decent unemployment check. If you were making minimum wage, it's not going to be much. The system isn't perfect but it's something.
Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr suggestion from earlier. If you do need to speak with Washington ESD about this protest situation, that service really does work well for getting through their phone system. Much better than the frustration of trying to call during business hours and never getting through.
Update: Thanks everyone for all the information and advice. I'm going to continue filing my weekly claims like suggested and gather up any documentation I have about my layoff. Hopefully this protest doesn't go anywhere but at least now I know what to expect in the process. This forum has been incredibly helpful!
NebulaNomad
Quick addition - some credit card companies will let you skip payments entirely for a few months during unemployment hardship. It's not ideal because interest still accrues, but it can buy you breathing room while you figure things out.
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Yara Sabbagh
•That could be really helpful short-term. I'll ask about that option when I call.
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NebulaNomad
•Just make sure you understand the terms completely. Some companies are more generous than others with their hardship programs.
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Amina Sy
Actually got another update from my Washington ESD call - the agent mentioned that if your benefits get extended or if you qualify for additional programs, it can help with creditor negotiations too. Having a longer timeline of expected income helps when asking for extended hardship terms. Really glad I used Claimyr to get that information instead of guessing about my benefit status.
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Yara Sabbagh
•That makes total sense. The more information you have about your situation, the better you can plan. I'm definitely going to look into getting through to Washington ESD properly.
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Luca Ferrari
•This is exactly why I tell people to stay on top of their unemployment claim status. The more you know, the better decisions you can make about everything else.
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