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Make sure you keep making those small payments on the old debt even after you file the new claim. Shows good faith and they might be more flexible with the offset amount.
Bottom line - file immediately. The debt doesn't disqualify you from benefits, it just reduces the amount you receive. You're still entitled to unemployment if you're eligible based on your work history and reason for separation.
And remember, if you run into any issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, Claimyr can save you a lot of frustration with the phone system.
One last tip - if you're unsure about anything during the application process, it's better to be honest and provide too much information than to leave something out. Washington ESD can always clarify things later, but omitting information can cause delays or issues with your claim.
If your claim gets held up in adjudication for any reason (which shouldn't happen with a straightforward layoff), that's another situation where Claimyr can help you get through to someone who can explain what's happening and potentially expedite the process.
Last thing - don't feel bad about collecting unemployment after a layoff. You paid into this system through your taxes and it's exactly what it's designed for. It's your safety net, so use it while you look for your next job.
I would strongly recommend consulting with a disability attorney before making any applications. Many offer free consultations and they understand the interaction between these different benefit programs much better than the average person.
Bottom line: in most cases, you cannot receive both unemployment and disability benefits at the same time because the eligibility requirements contradict each other. There might be very specific exceptions, but they're rare and you'd need expert advice to navigate them safely.
Diego Ramirez
The whole 'extensions' question comes up because people remember the pandemic programs. Those were federal emergency programs that don't exist anymore. Regular state unemployment has always been 26 weeks max unless EB triggers.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Right, but that was like 3 years of extended benefits. People got used to having that safety net.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•Makes sense why everyone's confused about what's available now. Those pandemic programs were a lifeline.
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Sean O'Connor
If anyone figures out a way to get extensions or finds out EB is going to trigger, please update this thread. A lot of us are in the same situation.
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Zara Ahmed
•I'll keep an eye on the Washington ESD website for any EB announcements. They have to post notice if it triggers.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•Thanks everyone for the info. At least now I know what my options are (or aren't). Time to step up the job search.
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