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Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm going to start documenting everything carefully, follow up conversations with emails, and track my performance metrics. I really hope they continue the accommodation after 90 days, but at least now I feel more prepared if they don't.
I'm sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation. As someone who's navigated similar waters, I wanted to add that you should also consider reaching out to the Washington State Human Rights Commission if you do get terminated. They handle ADA discrimination complaints and can investigate whether your employer violated your rights. Also, keep copies of your original ADA paperwork and doctor's notes in a safe place (not just at work). If you end up filing for unemployment, having that documentation readily available will help speed up the process. The fact that they're putting a specific 90-day timeline on your accommodation is actually helpful for your case - it shows they're not claiming the accommodation is impossible, just that they don't want to provide it long-term. Stay strong and keep advocating for yourself!
Bottom line - yes, you qualify for unemployment if you were laid off. File your claim ASAP, keep good records, and don't let the bureaucracy intimidate you. This is exactly what the system exists for.
Just wanted to add that Washington state also has some additional resources that might help while you're waiting for benefits to kick in. Check if you qualify for emergency food assistance through DSHS, and many food banks don't require any paperwork - you can just show up. Also, if you're really struggling with rent, reach out to your county's housing assistance programs. They sometimes have emergency rental assistance for people who've recently lost their jobs. Don't be afraid to use these resources - they're there for exactly this kind of situation.
This is really helpful advice! I hadn't thought about looking into food assistance or other emergency programs. It's good to know there are other safety nets available while waiting for unemployment to process. I'll definitely look into what's available in my county - every little bit helps when you're worried about making ends meet.
Thanks everyone for all the insights. I'm going to gather up my business records and try calling Washington ESD tomorrow to discuss my specific situation. Hopefully I can get through to someone knowledgeable.
If you have trouble getting through, definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Made a huge difference for me when I needed to reach Washington ESD about my adjudication issues.
I went through this exact situation with my marketing consultancy last year. The key factor was that I had elected unemployment coverage for myself when I first set up payroll for my employees. Even though I was the owner, because I was paying into the system as a "corporate officer" and receiving W-2 wages, Washington ESD approved my claim. It took about 4 weeks to get a determination, but they did approve it. The tricky part is that many business owners don't realize they need to make this election when they first start paying employees - it's not automatic. If you didn't elect coverage and were just taking owner distributions or 1099 payments to yourself, you're probably out of luck for regular UI benefits.
Keep us posted OP. Really hoping this works out for you. The fact that you're thinking it through carefully and getting advice shows you're handling this right.
I went through something similar about 6 months ago when my employer tried to cut my pay by 20%. I ended up negotiating with them first - asked if they could reduce my hours instead of my hourly rate, or if the pay cut was temporary with a timeline to restore wages. Sometimes companies are more flexible than they initially seem, especially if you've been there a while like you have. It's worth having that conversation before you decide to quit, and it also shows Washington ESD that you tried to work with your employer if you do end up filing for unemployment later.
That's really smart advice about trying to negotiate first! I hadn't thought about asking for reduced hours instead of reduced pay - that might actually work better for me since I could potentially find part-time work to make up the difference. And you're absolutely right that showing I tried to work with them would probably help my case if I do end up needing to file for unemployment. Did your employer go for the alternative arrangements when you suggested them?
Carmen Ortiz
Don't forget about the job search requirements - you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep records. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.
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Emma Wilson
•What kind of records do they want? Just a list of where I applied?
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Carmen Ortiz
•Company name, date of contact, method of contact (online application, phone call, etc.), and the type of work. Keep it detailed in case they ask for your job search log.
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Dana Doyle
Based on your $52,000 salary, you'll likely qualify for around $400-500 per week in unemployment benefits. Washington calculates this using your highest earning quarter from your base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). The exact formula is your highest quarter wages divided by 26 weeks, with a maximum of $999/week for 2025. Don't forget there's a one-week waiting period before payments start, and you'll need to file weekly claims while actively job searching (3 contacts per week minimum). Also consider having 10% federal taxes withheld to avoid a big tax bill later since unemployment benefits are taxable income.
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