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Does anyone know if the phone lines are open during lunch time? I can only call during my lunch break at work.
Final update: Got my adjudication resolved! Turns out there was just a missing piece of paperwork from my previous employer. Thanks everyone for the timing tips and especially whoever mentioned Claimyr - that really saved me.
That's so encouraging to hear! I've been stuck in adjudication for almost 3 weeks now and was starting to lose hope. Definitely going to try Claimyr based on all the success stories in this thread. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Good luck with your application! Hope you get the support you need while dealing with your health issues. The process can be stressful but it's worth pursuing if you think you might qualify.
I went through a similar situation with a chronic health condition last year. The most important thing I learned is that Washington ESD looks at your work capacity, not just your diagnosis. I was initially worried I wouldn't qualify, but I was able to get benefits by being very specific about what types of work I could still perform with my limitations. The key is having detailed documentation from your healthcare provider about your functional abilities - not just what's wrong with you, but what you can and can't do in a work environment. I also had to adjust my job search to focus on positions that accommodated my health needs, but I was still actively seeking work. It's definitely worth applying and being completely honest about your situation rather than assuming you won't qualify.
One last thing - once you get your card, you can set up text alerts for when payments are deposited. It's really helpful for tracking your benefits and making sure everything is processing correctly.
I went through this exact same situation about 3 months ago! My card was supposedly mailed but never arrived. I called KeyBank at 1-866-295-2955 and they were able to see that the card was indeed mailed but never activated, which usually means it got lost in transit. They sent me a replacement with expedited shipping at no charge and I had it within 4 business days. Make sure you have your SSN, DOB, and claim number ready when you call. Also, I found calling right when they open at 7am PST gets you through much faster than calling during peak hours. Don't worry - all your back payments will be available as soon as you activate the new card!
This is super helpful, thank you! I was getting really worried that I'd lose all those payments while waiting. Having the exact number and knowing what info to have ready makes me feel much more confident about calling tomorrow morning. I'll definitely try calling right at 7am like you suggested.
This gives me so much hope! I've been stressed about this for weeks thinking I might have lost my benefits somehow. Knowing that all the back payments will be there once I get the card is a huge relief. I'm definitely calling KeyBank at 7am sharp tomorrow with all my info ready. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's exactly what I needed to hear!
Bottom line: $999/week is the max in Washington for 2025, but most people won't qualify for that amount. Your actual benefit depends on your earnings history, specifically your highest quarter in the base period.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also check if you qualify for any federal extensions or additional programs. During certain economic conditions, there might be extended benefits beyond the standard 26 weeks. Also, if you're a veteran or have other special circumstances, there could be additional resources available through WorkSource offices that might supplement your unemployment benefits.
You typically have to apply separately for most supplemental programs through WorkSource, though they should automatically notify you if extended benefits become available during your claim period. For veterans, there are specific programs like DVOP (Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program) that can provide additional job placement services and sometimes training allowances. I'd recommend visiting your local WorkSource office or checking their website - they have counselors who can walk you through what you might qualify for based on your specific situation.
This is really valuable information! I had no idea there were supplemental programs through WorkSource. For someone like me who might be filing soon, would you recommend visiting a WorkSource office before filing for unemployment, or is it better to get the basic claim started first and then explore additional resources? I want to make sure I don't miss out on any programs I might qualify for.
Sophia Carter
Thank you! I'll update here if I run into any other questions after the workshop.
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Zainab Ibrahim
Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this process about 6 months ago after being laid off from my warehouse job. The job search requirements definitely seem overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly! A few additional tips that helped me: - Set up job alerts on Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites - when you respond to these alerts, make sure to note the source in your log - Don't forget that updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can count as a job search activity (but don't overuse this one) - If you have any professional certifications or licenses that need renewal, working on those can sometimes count too The WorkSource workshops are honestly a game-changer. I did their "Interviewing Skills" workshop and it helped me land my current position. They also have one-on-one career counseling sessions that count toward your weekly requirements. One thing I learned the hard way - always save confirmation emails and take screenshots of online applications. I had one company's website crash right after I submitted an application and almost lost that documentation. Now I screenshot everything immediately after hitting submit. You're being smart by asking these questions upfront. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling later!
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Anthony Young
•This is such valuable advice! I hadn't thought about setting up job alerts - that's a really smart way to stay organized and make sure I'm not missing opportunities. The tip about screenshotting immediately after submitting applications is gold too. I can definitely see how website crashes or technical issues could mess up your documentation. I'm really looking forward to the WorkSource workshops now. It sounds like they're not just a requirement to check off, but actually useful for improving job search skills. The one-on-one counseling sessions sound especially helpful since I've never really had to job hunt before. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's really encouraging to hear from someone who successfully navigated this process and found a new position!
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