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Does Washington ESD automatically check if alternate base period would give you higher benefits, or do you have to specifically request it?
For anyone else confused about this - I made a spreadsheet of my wages by quarter and it really helped me figure out which base period would be better. Sometimes the standard base period is actually higher if you had a gap in employment recently.
Just want to emphasize again that everyone's situation is different. The benefit amount depends on your specific earnings history, and there can be complications if you have gaps in employment or worked in multiple states. When in doubt, it's worth getting clarification from Washington ESD directly.
Your boss probably saw something about unemployment taxes on their business tax forms and assumed it was coming out of employee paychecks. Common misconception among small business owners who don't deal with payroll much.
TLDR: Employees in Washington pay $0.00 for unemployment insurance. Your boss is mistaken. It's 100% employer-funded. You're covered automatically as long as you're a regular W-2 employee.
Amina Toure
Just want to echo what others have said - definitely file. I was fired for 'attitude problems' (aka standing up for myself) and got approved after a brief adjudication period. Washington ESD really does try to be fair about these things. Don't let your former employer scare you away from benefits you've earned.
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AstroAdventurer
•Thanks for sharing your experience. It really helps to hear success stories like this.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Same here - got fired for 'not being a good fit' which was basically code for not putting up with their toxic management. Still got approved.
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CosmicCommander
One more thing - if your claim does go to adjudication (which it might since you were terminated), that doesn't mean you're denied. It just means they need to investigate the circumstances. Try to be patient during this process even though I know it's stressful. Most performance-related terminations get approved eventually.
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CosmicCommander
•It varies a lot - anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on how complex the case is and how busy they are. If you need to talk to them about your case, that Claimyr thing people mentioned might help you get through faster.
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Natasha Volkova
•Yeah I tried Claimyr when I was stuck in adjudication and it actually helped me get answers. Beats sitting on hold for hours every day.
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