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Update us on what happens! This is important information for lots of workers in similar situations. If you end up having to quit and file for full UI, make sure you're very specific about the circumstances in your application - that you were forced to choose between termination or economic hardship due to their restrictions on outside employment despite reduced hours.
I've been in the workforce for 35+ years and have seen employers try this manipulation tactic before. What your casino is doing sounds like they're trying to have their cake and eat it too - reducing your hours to cut labor costs while still maintaining control over your ability to earn a living wage elsewhere. A few things to keep in mind for your HR meeting tomorrow: 1. Ask them to cite the specific policy that prohibits second jobs 2. Point out that you're seeking additional work BECAUSE they reduced your hours 3. Emphasize that there's no scheduling conflict or competition issue 4. Request any restrictions in writing If they can't provide a legitimate business reason for the restriction, you may want to consider this constructive discharge. The fact that multiple employees are in the same situation suggests this might be a pattern worth reporting to the appropriate agencies. Good luck with your meeting - you're fighting for something that affects a lot of workers in similar situations!
The Claimyr service mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for 3 weeks straight, I tried it and got connected the same day. The representative was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my case and when I could expect resolution.
I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - been in fact finding for 3 weeks after a straightforward layoff. It's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances and they just leave you hanging with no updates. The advice about checking with your former employer is solid - I just found out my old company never responded to Washington ESD's inquiry, which explains the delay. Also keeping detailed records of everything like someone mentioned earlier is really important. Hope you get through to someone soon and can get this resolved!
One last thought - university libraries sometimes have access to government databases that aren't easily searchable online. If you're affiliated with a school, that might be another avenue.
The Washington State Treasurer's office also publishes detailed financial reports that might have the unemployment spending data you're looking for. Their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) includes expenditures by fund and program. Since unemployment benefits come from specific trust funds, those numbers should be clearly broken out. You can usually find several years of historical data in their reports section.
This whole thread has been super helpful! I'm about to file for unemployment for the first time and was really confused about how the payment system works. Now I know what to expect with the KeyBank card.
The KeyBank ReliaCard system is actually pretty solid overall. Just to add to what everyone else has shared - you can also set up text alerts for when payments are deposited, which is helpful for tracking your weekly benefits. Also, if you're planning to use the card long-term, consider setting up automatic bill pay through the ReliaCard website for recurring expenses like utilities or rent. It can help you budget better during unemployment. The card stays active even if you find work and stop receiving benefits, so you can keep using any remaining balance.
Grace Johnson
Bottom line for the OP - file today! Don't overthink it, don't wait for the 'perfect' time, just do it. Every day you delay is money out of your pocket.
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Connor Murphy
•Message received loud and clear! Filing my claim right after I finish reading these responses. Thanks everyone for the advice!
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Jayden Reed
•Good luck! The process is actually pretty straightforward once you get started.
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Oliver Schulz
I just went through this exact situation last month - lost my job on a Friday and filed that same day online. Best decision I made! The Washington ESD online system is actually pretty user-friendly, and like others mentioned, you can always update missing info later. I was amazed at how quickly I got my first payment. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good - just get your claim started today and you'll thank yourself later when you see that first deposit hit your account!
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