Bottom line OP - if you made $85k, you'll likely get close to the $999 maximum. Just make sure you file as soon as possible after losing your job since there's a waiting week.

Just wanted to add that you should also be aware of the work search requirements. Washington requires you to make 3 job search activities per week to remain eligible for benefits. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. They're pretty strict about documenting these activities, so keep good records of what you do each week.

Bottom line for the original poster - file your claim. There's absolutely no age limit in Washington state for unemployment benefits. You paid into the system while working, you're entitled to benefits if you meet the eligibility requirements.

I went through this same situation at 69 when my warehouse job ended due to company restructuring. Filed online without any issues - Washington ESD never questioned my age, only whether I met the standard requirements. The hardest part was actually the job search component since many employers don't even respond to applications from older workers. But as long as you document your search efforts properly and stay available for work, age is not a factor in your eligibility. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise - you earned these benefits through years of working and paying into the system.

Last suggestion - if you haven't already, make sure you have notifications turned on in your Washington ESD account. That way you'll know immediately when the status changes instead of having to check manually every day.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim 8 days ago and still pending. Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring! I had no idea about the job search requirements starting right away or the notification settings. Going to get those set up today. It's frustrating not knowing the timeline but sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty normal. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes the waiting feel less isolating when you know others are going through the same thing.

I've been collecting unemployment for about 8 months now and missed filing twice - once early on when I was still figuring out the system, and once a few months ago when I was sick with the flu and completely spaced out. Both times I was able to file the missed weeks without any problems or penalties. The key thing I learned is to file the missed week as soon as you realize you forgot, don't wait around hoping it will somehow fix itself! Also, keep documenting your job search activities even for weeks you miss filing, because you'll still need to report those when you go back to file. The Washington ESD system is actually pretty forgiving about this stuff as long as you don't make it a habit. Setting up reminders definitely helps - I now have a recurring phone alarm every Sunday at 8am that says "FILE UNEMPLOYMENT" and I haven't missed one since!

I just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be worried about this. I missed filing my weekly claim about 3 weeks ago because I was traveling for a job interview and completely forgot about it while dealing with flights and hotels. I was so stressed when I realized it on Tuesday, but I was able to log into eServices and file it right away using the "previous week" option. The system asked all the same questions as usual - work search activities, any wages earned, availability for work, etc. I answered everything honestly for that missed week and the filing went through without any issues. My payment came through about 2 days later than usual, but it was the full amount I expected. The relief I felt was huge! Now I always file on Sundays before I do anything else, and I also set a backup reminder for Wednesday just in case. Don't panic if this happens to you - Washington ESD really does seem to understand that people have lives and sometimes forget things.

Based on my experience working with unemployment cases, Washington ESD appeals do have decent success rates when you have solid evidence. The key factors that seem to make the biggest difference are: 1) Clear documentation that contradicts your employer's version of events, 2) Evidence that proper procedures weren't followed before termination, and 3) Being well-organized for the hearing. Those emails showing targeting behavior and the contrast between your positive reviews and the sudden negative one could be really compelling evidence. I'd suggest creating a timeline of events and gathering any additional documentation like company policies on progressive discipline. Even if your employer has lawyers, administrative law judges focus on facts, not who has better legal representation.

I went through a similar situation last year where my supervisor was basically building a case against me after we had a disagreement about work priorities. What really helped my appeal was showing the pattern of retaliation - I gathered emails, calendar invites that showed I was suddenly excluded from meetings, and even found company policy documents that proved they didn't follow proper progressive discipline procedures. The administrative law judge specifically asked about whether I received written warnings before termination (I hadn't) and that seemed to be a turning point. Your documentation sounds promising, especially if you can show the timing correlation between when things went south with your supervisor and when your performance reviews changed. Don't let the employer's size intimidate you - focus on organizing your evidence clearly and presenting a logical timeline of events.