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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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Join the conversation
The key thing to remember is that once your benefit year ends (52 weeks from when you filed), you'd need to establish a new claim if you're still unemployed. But you'd need new qualifying wages to do that, which means you'd need to have worked and earned enough after your original claim to qualify again.
So if I don't find work within the benefit year, I might not be able to file a new claim? That's concerning.
Right, that's why it's important to actively job search throughout your unemployment period rather than waiting until benefits are running low. The system is designed to be temporary assistance, not long-term support.
I had success using Claimyr when I needed to speak with someone at Washington ESD about extending my claim due to a training program. The regular phone lines were impossible but their service got me through right away. Sometimes you need professional help navigating the system efficiently.
It sounds like several people have had good experiences with that service. I might need to consider it if I run into complications with my claim.
I was skeptical at first too, but when you're dealing with time-sensitive issues around benefit duration and can't get through to Washington ESD, it's worth having options.
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i'm on week 23 right now and starting to panic about what happens next. job market is brutal in my field (hospitality). anyone know if there are any programs to help with the transition when benefits end?
WorkSource has some programs for people nearing the end of their benefits. Also look into job training programs - some offer stipends while you're learning new skills.
Check with your local food bank and community resources too. There are programs to help with utilities, rent assistance, etc. while you're job hunting.
Something to keep in mind - if you work and earn wages during a week, it might not count as one of your 26 weeks if you earn over a certain amount. Washington has partial benefit payments, so you could potentially stretch your benefits longer if you find part-time work.
How does that calculation work? I might have a chance at some freelance work but don't want to mess up my benefits.
Report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you'll get a partial payment. If you earn more, you won't get benefits that week but it won't count against your 26 weeks.
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Thanks for posting this question OP. I didn't even realize business owners could potentially qualify for unemployment. This thread has been really educational.
Same here! I was hesitant to even ask because I thought it might not be allowed.
It's not widely known, but if you paid into the system as an employee, you have the same rights as any other worker.
Final word of advice - if you do this, don't try to restart paying yourself wages while on unemployment without reporting it properly. Washington ESD will find out and you could face overpayment issues.
Definitely noted. I'll make sure to report everything accurately if I get approved.
Absolutely. The penalties for unreported income can be severe, especially for business owners who they're already watching closely.
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Update for anyone still following - I filed my claim this morning right after reading this thread. The whole process took about 45 minutes and I got a confirmation number. Now I just need to wait for them to review it and let me know about my first weekly claim filing date.
Thanks for the update! Let us know how long the approval process takes.
Will do. Feeling much better about the timing now that it's filed.
One last tip - if you're still employed but you know a layoff is coming, you can't file until your actual last day of work. Washington ESD won't accept claims for future unemployment, only current unemployment. But file that same day if possible.
What if your last day is a Friday but the Washington ESD office is closed over the weekend?
You can file online 24/7, so weekends aren't an issue. The online system is available even when offices are closed.
Jamal Harris
Filed my claim 3 months ago after making $4500/month. My weekly benefit is $587. Not enough to maintain my lifestyle but keeps me afloat while job hunting. The key is having realistic expectations.
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LunarLegend
•That's actually pretty close to what I was hoping for based on my salary. How has the job search been going?
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Jamal Harris
•Slow but steady. The job search requirements actually help keep me motivated and organized. Document everything carefully!
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GalaxyGlider
Bottom line - unemployment is designed to replace about 50% of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum. It's temporary assistance, not full salary replacement. Budget accordingly and don't expect it to last forever.
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LunarLegend
•Thanks for all the advice everyone! This gives me a much better idea of what to expect. Going to file my claim tomorrow.
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GalaxyGlider
•Good luck! The process isn't too complicated once you get started. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.
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