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I used that Claimyr service mentioned earlier when I had questions about my standby claim. Really wish I had known about it sooner - would have saved me weeks of trying to get through on the phone. Definitely recommend if you need to talk to ESD directly about your misconduct case.
Thanks for asking this question OP! I'm in a similar situation (got fired for performance issues) and this thread has been super helpful for understanding how ESD handles these cases. Going to file my claim this week.
Just to wrap this up for anyone reading - Washington unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks maximum within a 52-week benefit year. Your actual duration depends on your work history and is shown in your monetary determination. Keep filing weekly claims and meeting job search requirements to continue receiving benefits for the full duration you qualify for.
Just wanted to add that military members have special rules for unemployment benefits. If you're transitioning out of the military, you might be eligible for Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX). The timing and requirements are different from regular unemployment.
One last tip - even if your employer offers severance pay, you can usually still file for unemployment benefits. Severance might affect the timing of when benefits start, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. Check with Washington ESD about how severance impacts your specific situation.
It depends on how the severance is structured. Some types delay benefits, others don't. Claimyr might be helpful for getting a definitive answer about your specific severance situation.
For what it's worth, I used Claimyr twice - once to ask about Social Security and unemployment, and again when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Both times they got me through to helpful agents who resolved my issues quickly.
Bottom line - yes you can collect both, but make sure you're meeting all the unemployment requirements. Age discrimination is real but don't let that stop you from claiming benefits you've earned.
Connor Richards
Remember that even after your 26 weeks are up, you might be able to file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim. Washington ESD looks at whether you have sufficient wages in a new base period.
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Lucas Bey
•So I could potentially get unemployment again later if I work for a while and then lose another job?
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Connor Richards
•Yes, as long as you meet the wage and work requirements again. Each claim is evaluated separately based on your work history.
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Grace Durand
Just want to echo what others have said - don't wait to file! I waited two weeks thinking I'd find something quickly and lost out on those benefits forever. File immediately and you can always stop claiming if you find work right away.
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Lucas Bey
•That's exactly what I was thinking about doing. Glad I asked here first!
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Grace Durand
•Yeah, there's literally no downside to filing right away. Better to have the benefits available and not need them than the other way around.
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