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Just want to point out that the 26 weeks is the maximum you can receive during your benefit year. Some people might qualify for fewer weeks depending on their work history and earnings. The Washington ESD website has a calculator to estimate your potential benefit duration.
For anyone wondering about after the 26 weeks - you can't just immediately file a new claim. You need to work and earn enough wages to establish a new base period. The requirements are pretty specific about how much you need to earn.
Keep trying different times and methods. Eventually something will work. The key is persistence even though it's incredibly frustrating.
Good luck everyone. Hopefully Washington ESD fixes their phone system soon but until then we're all just trying to survive this broken process.
Keep us posted on what works! And seriously consider checking out claimyr.com if you get too frustrated with the regular calling.
Cyclical unemployment is actually really common in Washington state given our aerospace and tech industries. Both are sensitive to economic cycles.
Final thought - regardless of whether your unemployment is cyclical, structural, or frictional, Washington ESD's requirements are the same: you must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work. The economic theory behind your job loss doesn't change those basics.
been on unemployment twice in the past few years and the key is staying organized. keep copies of everything, take screenshots of confirmations, and document every phone call or message. if something goes wrong you'll need that paperwork trail
The key things to remember: apply online at esd.wa.gov, have your employment history ready, be honest and complete in your answers, and don't delay in applying. The process itself isn't too complicated, it's the waiting and potential follow-up questions that can be frustrating. Good luck with your claim!
NebulaNomad
For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD about benefit calculations or other issues, I finally got through using Claimyr after weeks of failed attempts. Worth checking out if you're stuck - their system at claimyr.com actually works.
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NebulaNomad
•They help you get connected to an actual agent instead of sitting on hold forever. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains it better than I can.
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Nia Wilson
•Might be worth it. I've wasted so many hours trying to call Washington ESD directly with no luck.
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Mateo Martinez
Bottom line - your weekly benefit amount depends on how much you earned in your highest quarter over the past 5 quarters. Most people get between $200-600 per week depending on their wages. It's not going to replace your full salary but it helps bridge the gap while job hunting.
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
•Thanks everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now and have a better idea of what to expect for my weekly benefit amount.
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Aisha Hussain
•Good luck with your claim! Make sure to file your weekly claims on time and keep looking for work. The system works but you have to stay on top of it.
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