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One thing I've noticed is that during high unemployment, Washington ESD seems to crack down more on job search verification. They audit more people and are stricter about what counts as a valid job contact.
Bottom line is that high unemployment creates a perfect storm - more people need help when the system is least able to provide it efficiently. Washington ESD needs better funding and staffing models that can scale with demand.
One last tip - if your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, don't panic. It just means they need to review something about your claim more carefully. It can take a few weeks but most adjudication issues get resolved in favor of the claimant if everything was filed correctly.
Sounds like you've got good advice here! Just file the claim and see what happens. With steady work history and being laid off, you should be fine. Good luck with the job search too!
One more thing - if you get any part-time work while on unemployment, you need to report it when you file your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but you can usually still get partial benefits if you're working less than full-time.
Looks like you got a lot of good info here! The benefit amount calculation can seem confusing at first but once you understand the basics it makes sense. Your $22/hr wage should get you a decent weekly benefit to help bridge the gap while you're job hunting. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.
The good news is Washington state has pretty decent unemployment benefits compared to some other states. $200+ per week isn't amazing but it's enough to help cover basic expenses while job hunting.
If you want an exact answer, talking to an actual Washington ESD agent is the only way to know for sure. They can look at your specific wage history and tell you exactly what you'd qualify for. But good luck getting through to them on the phone!
This is why services like Claimyr exist - because Washington ESD's phone system is basically impossible to navigate on your own.
Emily Thompson
One last thing - make sure your business address and contact info is current with Washington ESD. You don't want to miss important notices because they went to an old address.
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Lucas Kowalski
•Good reminder. I'll double-check that in their employer portal. Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice!
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Olivia Martinez
•You're welcome! Sounds like you're approaching this the right way. Your former employees are lucky to have had a considerate employer.
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Sophie Hernandez
This thread has been really helpful. I'm in a similar situation and was worried about the impact on my business. Good to see other employers sharing their experiences.
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Lucas Kowalski
•Glad it helped! It's definitely stressful when you're going through it for the first time.
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