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This has been incredibly helpful everyone. I feel like I have a actual plan now instead of just panicking. Going to tackle the DSHS application tonight and call WorkSource first thing tomorrow morning.
That's great! Having a plan definitely helps with the stress. Feel free to update us on how it goes - this information helps other people in similar situations too.
I'm in a very similar situation - my benefits just exhausted last week too after the full 26 weeks. It's really stressful not having that weekly payment to count on anymore. From reading all these responses, it sounds like the main options are applying for other assistance programs through DSHS (SNAP, housing help, etc.), checking with WorkSource about training programs that might include financial support, and looking into local community resources like food banks and 211. I'm going to start making calls this week too. It helps to know we're not alone in dealing with this - the job market really is tough right now and 26 weeks just isn't always enough time to find the right position. Hang in there everyone!
You're absolutely right that it helps to know we're not alone in this situation! I'm also dealing with exhausted benefits and the stress is real. One thing I learned from this thread is that it's really important to apply for assistance programs BEFORE you're desperate - some of them can take weeks or even months to process. I'm planning to call 211 first to get a comprehensive list of what's available in my area, then tackle the DSHS applications. Also considering that Claimyr service people mentioned if I need to talk to ESD about whether I might qualify for a new benefit year down the road. Thanks for summarizing the key points - it's overwhelming trying to figure out all the options when you're already stressed about money!
Just wondering, when did you initially file your claim? I've been waiting for mine to change from 'processing' to 'paid' for almost 3 weeks now! Did you have to do anything special to get it to move to paid status?
I filed my initial claim about 5 weeks ago, then got stuck in adjudication for some reason. I called ESD last week (took FOREVER to get through) and the agent said there was just a verification issue with my previous employer. She cleared it on the spot and said I should see movement within 72 hours, which I did. If you've been stuck for 3 weeks, you might need to call them.
For what it's worth, the Washington ESD website does have a benefit estimator tool, but it's pretty basic. Gives you a rough idea though if you have your wage info handy.
Based on your $4,200 monthly income, you should be looking at a pretty decent weekly benefit amount. If that translates to around $12,600 in your highest quarter, you'd be getting roughly $484-500 per week using Washington's formula. That's actually not too bad compared to what some other states offer. Just make sure you file as soon as you're laid off since there can be delays in processing, and don't forget about the tax implications - you might want to have them withhold 10% for federal taxes to avoid a surprise bill later.
Remember to keep all your records of when you reported your work and when your claim was closed. If Washington ESD ever questions anything later, you'll want documentation of what you reported and when.
Congratulations on the new job! I went through this exact same situation last year. The key thing is to keep filing your weekly claims and report your work status accurately. When you file your next weekly claim, make sure to report your exact start date and any hours/wages earned that week. Washington ESD will automatically adjust your benefits and eventually close your claim once they see you're working full-time consistently. Don't worry about "canceling" - just be honest about your work status and let the system handle the rest. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know what to do!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same thing. I was getting worried about doing something wrong, but it sounds like as long as I'm honest and thorough with my reporting, the system will take care of the rest. Did you get any confirmation from Washington ESD when your claim was officially closed, or did you just notice it in your online account?
Bruno Simmons
Hope everything works out for you OP. Health issues are stressful enough without worrying about benefits complications.
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Gianna Scott
•Thank you, I really appreciate all the support and information from everyone here.
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Ruby Knight
I went through something similar a few months ago. The key is timing and communication. When I realized I needed to switch from UI to short-term disability, I called Washington ESD first to let them know I was stopping my claim due to a medical condition. Then I applied for the STD benefits through my former employer. Make sure there's no overlap in the dates - even one day can cause problems. Also, keep all your medical documentation organized because both programs may request it. The transition back to UI later was smoother because I had been upfront about everything from the start.
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AstroAce
•This is really helpful! Did you have to do anything special to notify Washington ESD that you were stopping your claim for medical reasons, or was it just a regular claim closure? I'm worried about making sure I do this the right way so I don't run into issues when I try to reopen my claim later.
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