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For those still waiting - try to stay positive and use the time productively. I spent my waiting period updating my resume and applying for jobs. Helped keep my mind occupied.
This thread has been super helpful. Nice to know I'm not alone in this process. The waiting really is the hardest part but at least now I have realistic expectations.
One more tip - when you do your weekly claims, be very careful how you answer the questions about being able and available for work. Your answers need to be consistent with your medical documentation and job search activities.
Hope everything works out for you OP. The transition from disability to unemployment can be stressful but it's definitely doable with the right preparation. Just stay organized and keep good records of everything.
Based on what you've described - laid off due to downsizing, able to work, looking for jobs - you clearly meet Washington ESD's unemployment definition. Don't let the technical wording on the application psych you out. Your situation is textbook unemployment eligibility.
Just to close the loop on this - the Washington ESD definition that best applies to most people is the one emphasizing involuntary separation plus meeting work availability requirements. That covers probably 90% of typical unemployment situations.
Good luck with everything! The uncertainty is definitely stressful, but you're asking the right questions and getting good information. That puts you in a much better position than most people facing benefit exhaustion.
Atticus Domingo
Just remember that even if your employer is fighting the claim, you're still required to do your job search activities and file weekly claims. Don't let the investigation stop you from meeting those requirements.
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Issac Nightingale
•Yeah I've been keeping up with my job search log and filing weekly. Don't want to give them any reason to deny benefits later.
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Atticus Domingo
•Smart approach. Stay compliant with all the requirements while the investigation plays out.
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Beth Ford
Hang in there. I know it's frustrating but contested claims do get resolved eventually. The important thing is that you were legitimately laid off and have documentation to prove it.
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Issac Nightingale
•Thanks for the encouragement. This whole process is way more complicated than I expected when I first filed.
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Beth Ford
•Yeah the unemployment system can be overwhelming, especially when employers throw wrenches into the process. But justice usually prevails in the end.
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