


Ask the community...
Just remember you have to be actively looking for work and available to accept suitable employment. The job search requirement isn't just busywork - they really do check on it sometimes.
Bottom line OP - with your salary you'll probably get $700-900/week for up to 26 weeks. Definitely worth filing if you qualify. Just be prepared for the bureaucracy and phone system frustrations.
Thanks everyone for all the info! Sounds like I should definitely file. Now I just need to figure out how to actually get through to them...
Good luck! And seriously consider that Claimyr thing if you get stuck trying to reach them. Wish I had known about it sooner.
The most important thing is to file as soon as possible after you lose your job. Benefits don't start until you file, so every week you wait is money lost.
One last thing - make sure you keep track of all your job search activities from day one. Even if you're still in the waiting period, start documenting everything so you're ready when the job search requirements kick in.
One more thing - if you're a new employer, your first few Form 940s might be a bit different because Washington ESD assigns new employer rates differently than established businesses with experience ratings.
This is a pretty new business, so that's good to know. I'll make sure they understand how the new employer rates work.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Sounds like Form 940 is definitely what we need for the federal side. Now we just need to make sure we're staying compliant with Washington ESD requirements too.
And don't hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck. Whether it's calling Washington ESD directly or using a service like Claimyr to get through, it's better to ask questions than make costly mistakes.
The uncertainty is the worst part. I refreshed my account like 50 times a day when I was waiting. Try to stay busy with job applications if you can.
UPDATE: Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. Got my determination letter today (day 19) and was approved! Benefits start next week. To the others still waiting - hang in there, it really does come through eventually.
Jason Brewer
Quick question - do you have to file during business hours or can you do it anytime online?
0 coins
Lily Young
•You can file your claim online 24/7 at esd.wa.gov. The website is available around the clock, which is really convenient. No need to wait for business hours.
0 coins
Jason Brewer
•Perfect, thanks! I was worried I'd have to take time off my job search to file during the day.
0 coins
Marcus Williams
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! Just finished filing my initial claim online. Wasn't as bad as I expected - took maybe 30 minutes to complete. Now I guess I wait to see if it gets approved and start filing weekly claims. Really appreciate all the guidance, especially about filing right away instead of waiting around.
0 coins
Justin Chang
•Glad it went smoothly! If you run into any issues with your claim status or have questions down the road, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned. Sometimes it's worth it to talk to an actual person rather than trying to figure things out on your own.
0 coins
Lily Young
•Congratulations on getting your claim submitted! The hardest part is over. Just stay consistent with your weekly claims and job search activities and you should be all set.
0 coins