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One more thing - if you're laid off vs fired vs quit, that affects eligibility but not the benefit amount calculation. The weekly amount is purely based on your wage history.
Bottom line - file your claim and see what Washington ESD calculates. With your salary range you should get a decent weekly amount, probably in the $400-600 range like others mentioned.
Don't forget that you'll need to file weekly claims after your initial application. Missing those weekly filings will stop your payments, so set a reminder for yourself.
Been through this process twice now and my advice is just get it done today. Stop overthinking it, gather your paperwork, and file your claim. Every day you wait is money you're losing.
Also remember that even though there's a waiting week, you should still register with WorkSource (worksourcewa.com) right away since that's required for maintaining eligibility.
Bottom line: Plan for 26 weeks maximum, but don't count on using all of them. Start job hunting immediately and treat unemployment as temporary income replacement, not a long-term solution.
Don't forget that if you're collecting unemployment, you might also be eligible for other assistance programs while you're looking for work. It's worth checking what else might be available to help stretch your budget during those 26 weeks.
Good point! I should look into what other resources might be available. Every little bit helps when you're between jobs.
Mei Zhang
Don't overthink it too much. Follow the basic requirements, file on time, look for work, and report everything accurately. Most people get through it without major drama.
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Ravi Choudhury
•You're right - I'm probably overthinking this. Thanks for the reality check.
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Liam McGuire
The most important thing is to stay organized and keep good records. If anything goes wrong, having documentation makes all the difference in getting it resolved quickly.
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Ravi Choudhury
•I'm starting a spreadsheet today to track everything. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
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CosmosCaptain
•That's a great approach. You'll do fine with that level of organization.
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