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I filed online three months ago and the whole process was smooth. Just be patient because it can take a while for everything to get processed and approved, especially during busy periods.
One more thing - after you file online, make sure to check your account regularly for any messages or requests for additional information. Missing those can delay your claim significantly.
If you're getting severance pay or have other income, make sure you report it when you file. Washington ESD will find out anyway and it's better to be upfront about it from the start.
Last thing - don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication or if there are delays. It's frustrating but the system is backed up and these things happen. Just keep filing your weekly claims and be patient.
Have you considered gig work or freelancing while you look for permanent employment? It's not ideal but it can help bridge the gap and those earnings count toward a new benefit year if you need to file again later.
Bottom line is you need to prepare for benefits to end at 26 weeks. There's no magical extension coming. Start planning now for how you'll handle rent, food, insurance, etc. without that weekly benefit payment.
wish more people understood how unemployment funding actually works. would cut down on a lot of the judgment and misinformation
OP you should feel proud of the fact that you're navigating the system and filing your weekly claims properly. That's not always easy with Washington ESD's website and requirements.
Leo Simmons
I went through something similar but with workers comp instead of LTD. The key thing Washington ESD cares about is that you're genuinely able to work and actively looking for employment. Having medical clearance helps but they'll also look at your job search efforts to make sure you're serious about finding work.
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Kevin Bell
•That makes sense. I'm definitely serious about getting back to work, just need to find the right fit for my situation.
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Leo Simmons
•That attitude will serve you well. Document your job search efforts carefully and apply to positions that match your abilities. Washington ESD wants to see that you're making a genuine effort.
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Felicity Bud
Just wanted to circle back on the Claimyr service since a few people asked about it. It's basically a callback service that gets you through Washington ESD's phone queue automatically. You give them your number and they call you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold when I needed to resolve an issue with my claim status. The demo video explains it better than I can.
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Kevin Bell
•That sounds like exactly what I'll need. Thanks for sharing that resource.
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Adrian Connor
•wish i had known about that when i was dealing with my claim issues. would have saved me so much frustration.
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