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The safety complaint angle might actually help your case. Washington has strong protections for workers who report safety violations. If you can show you were fired in retaliation for raising legitimate safety concerns, that could strengthen your unemployment claim.
Bottom line - file your claim, be honest, keep looking for work, and don't let your employer intimidate you. The unemployment system exists to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Performance issues usually fall into that category.
This whole thread is making me feel better about my situation too. Filed my first claim last week and have been worried about the timing.
The unemployment rate also doesn't account for people who are working multiple part-time jobs just to make ends meet. Washington's cost of living in some areas means even full employment doesn't guarantee financial stability.
Bottom line: 4.1% is the current official rate but look deeper into your specific industry and location. The state average can be misleading depending on where you want to live and what kind of work you do.
Don't forget that if you do qualify, you'll need to do weekly claims and job search activities to keep getting benefits. But that's a whole separate topic from just qualifying initially.
PixelPioneer
this whole thread makes me realize how complicated unemployment benefits are. no wonder so many people have trouble with the system
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AstroExplorer
•Right? I thought it would be more straightforward. Glad I asked here before my brother went through the application process blind.
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ElectricDreamer
Final thought - make sure your brother has all his wage information ready when he applies. Pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, anything that shows his earnings. Washington ESD uses this to calculate his base period wages and determine his benefit amount if he qualifies. Having everything organized upfront makes the process much smoother.
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AstroExplorer
•Great advice! I'll make sure he gathers all that paperwork before starting the application. Thanks again everyone for all the helpful information!
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