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This is such a stressful situation but you're definitely on the right track asking these questions early! I went through something similar when my previous employer was acquired by a larger company about 2 years ago. A few additional tips based on my experience: 1. Keep detailed records of ALL communications about the sale/transition - emails, meeting notes, any documentation they give you about your position being eliminated 2. If they ask you to help train your replacement or transition your duties, do it professionally but make sure it's clear this isn't you quitting - you're fulfilling your job duties until your position is eliminated 3. Consider asking HR for a letter stating your position elimination date and reason while you still have a good relationship with them - it's easier to get this now than after you've left The 5 weeks notice you got is actually pretty generous compared to what some companies do. Use that time wisely to get all your documentation in order and start networking (even though you can't officially job search for UI purposes until you file). Also, don't stress too much about the application process - yes it's long and detailed, but Washington's system is pretty user-friendly once you get started. You've got this!
This is really reassuring to hear from someone who's been through it! I'm definitely going to ask HR for that letter you mentioned - that's a smart idea to get it while things are still amicable. The tip about training a replacement is especially helpful since they've already hinted that might be needed during the transition. I'll make sure to document that I'm just fulfilling my current job duties, not volunteering to stay longer or anything that could be misconstrued as me wanting to quit. The 5 weeks does feel generous when I think about it that way - I'm trying to use the time productively to get organized and prepare mentally for the change. Thanks for the encouragement, it really helps to know others have navigated this successfully!
I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's such an unsettling situation even when you know it's coming! I was in a similar position about a year ago when my company was acquired and they eliminated my entire department. Just want to echo what others have said about documentation being crucial. Beyond the separation letter, I'd also recommend taking screenshots of any job postings the new company might put up that look suspiciously similar to your current role (like what Sophia mentioned happened to her). One thing I wish someone had told me: if you have any unused PTO or vacation days, find out how those will be handled. Some companies pay them out immediately, others include them in your final paycheck, and this can affect the timing of when you should file your claim. Also, the ESD website has a really helpful "Am I Eligible" questionnaire that can give you peace of mind about your situation before you actually file. It walks through different scenarios including business sales and position eliminations. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but it sounds like you're being very proactive about understanding the process. That's going to serve you well when it comes time to actually file!
Bottom line - 2024's unemployment rate data is interesting context but won't directly impact your individual claim. Focus on meeting Washington ESD's requirements: sufficient work history, qualifying separation, active job search, and proper documentation. The economic statistics matter more for policy discussions than individual benefit determinations.
Thanks everyone for all the insights! This gives me a much better understanding of what to expect when I file my claim.
Good luck with your claim! Remember to keep detailed records from the start and don't hesitate to ask questions if you run into issues.
I filed my Washington ESD claim in October 2024 when the unemployment rate had dropped to around 4.1%, and honestly the process was pretty smooth. What I found was that while the overall rate was low, Washington ESD's systems had improved significantly from the chaos of earlier years. My claim was processed within 3 weeks with no adjudication issues. The key thing is that eligibility really doesn't change based on economic conditions - I had a clear layoff with proper documentation, met the wage requirements, and started my job search immediately. The low unemployment rate actually worked in my favor because there were more job opportunities available to apply to, making it easier to meet the weekly job search requirements.
That's really encouraging to hear! I was worried that filing during a low unemployment period might somehow work against me, but it sounds like you're right that the eligibility criteria stay consistent regardless. The fact that there were more jobs available to apply to is actually a great point - I hadn't thought about how that would make meeting the search requirements easier rather than harder. Three weeks for processing sounds much better than what people were experiencing earlier in 2024. Did you use WorkSourceWA for tracking your job search activities, or did you keep separate records too?
Bottom line for anyone new to this: adjudication is frustrating but normal. Keep filing weekly, respond to any requests promptly, and try to get status updates when possible. Most cases do resolve favorably eventually.
Thanks for the summary! This whole thread has been really helpful for understanding what to expect.
I'm going through the same thing right now - been in adjudication for about 10 days and the uncertainty is killing me. Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring though. It sounds like most people do get approved eventually, even if it takes longer than expected. I'm going to keep filing my weekly claims and try to be patient, but I might look into that Claimyr service if it drags on much longer. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know I'm not alone in this!
I totally understand that uncertainty feeling! I'm dealing with the same thing right now - it's so hard not knowing what's going on or how long it might take. What really helped me after reading this thread is realizing that adjudication seems to be pretty common and most people do get through it eventually. The advice about keeping up with weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet is something I definitely needed to hear. Hang in there!
You're definitely not alone! I went through the exact same anxiety when I was in adjudication a few months ago. Ten days is still pretty early in the process, so try not to panic yet. The waiting is absolutely the worst part because you have no idea what's happening behind the scenes. I found it helped to set a specific day each week to check my account rather than obsessively logging in daily. And definitely keep filing those weekly claims - that was crucial advice I wish I'd known from the start. If you do end up trying Claimyr, I'd love to hear how it works out for you!
Just remember the weekly benefit is also subject to the state maximum. Even if the formula gives you a higher amount, you can't get more than the max weekly benefit amount.
What's the maximum weekly benefit in Washington right now?
I think it's $999 per week for 2025, but it gets adjusted annually based on the average weekly wage in the state.
All this talk about calculations is making my head spin. I just want to know why I'm only getting $200 a week when I was making $800 a week at my job. Seems like I'm getting screwed somehow.
Yeah I might have to try that. This is ridiculous that you can't get basic information about your own claim.
@Miguel Alvarez That does seem unusually low for your income level. I d'definitely check your monetary determination first to see what wages they used in the calculation. Sometimes there are reporting delays or errors that can really mess up your benefit amount. If everything looks correct on paper but the math still doesn t'add up, you ll'probably need to speak with an agent to get it sorted out.
Oliver Fischer
Thanks everyone for the responses! This has been really helpful. I'm going to keep focusing on my regular job search activities while ignoring these irrelevant job fair emails. I'll make sure to document everything carefully in my job search log and keep an eye out for any personalized communications that might actually be mandatory. It's a relief to know this seems to be a normal seasonal pattern and not something specifically targeting my claim.
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Malik Robinson
•Glad we could help! Good luck with the job search! The whole system is so confusing sometimes.
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Yara Nassar
I'm experiencing the exact same thing! Started getting bombarded with WorkSource emails about 3 weeks ago - went from maybe one or two a month to getting them almost daily. Like you, most of them are completely irrelevant to my field (I'm in graphic design). I was starting to worry that maybe I was missing something important or that my claim was being reviewed more closely. It's reassuring to see from the other comments that this seems to be a normal seasonal thing tied to their quarterly reporting. I'm going to keep doing my regular 3 job search activities per week and just ignore the irrelevant job fair emails unless I get something specifically assigned to me. Thanks for posting this - was starting to stress about it!
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Javier Mendoza
•You're so welcome! I was really stressed about it too until everyone shared their experiences here. It's crazy how they don't give us any heads up that this email bombardment is normal seasonal behavior. I feel like a simple notification in our WorkSource accounts saying "You may receive increased job fair communications during peak hiring seasons - attendance is optional unless specifically assigned" would save everyone so much anxiety. But I guess that would be too helpful for ESD! 😅 Good luck with your graphic design job search!
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