


Ask the community...
One last thing - even if you qualify for unemployment after quitting, most employers will fight it because it affects their unemployment tax rate. Be prepared for them to contest your claim and have all your evidence ready.
I used Claimyr a few weeks ago when I had questions about my claim and it was super helpful. The agent was able to pull up my account and explain everything clearly. Much better than trying to figure it out from the confusing letters they send.
Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm going to check my wage history online first, then try to call Washington ESD to get more details. If I can't get through I'll try that Claimyr service. At least now I understand why I got denied instead of just being confused.
Good plan! Understanding the wage requirements is key. Don't get discouraged - you'll likely qualify once you have more work history.
Yeah definitely check those wages first. And don't hesitate to use Claimyr if you need to talk to someone - it really does work for getting through to Washington ESD.
To wrap this up - AFLAC = medical situations, Washington ESD = job loss. They don't overlap for typical unemployment situations. Both have their place but serve different needs.
One last tip - if you're keeping AFLAC while unemployed, make sure you understand the payment terms. Some policies have different rules when you're not employed.
Final plug for anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD about work search questions - Claimyr really does work for connecting with agents when the regular lines are jammed. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get clarification on my specific situation.
Remember everyone - even if you think you know the work search requirements, they can change or you might have special circumstances. When in doubt, confirm with Washington ESD directly rather than assuming. Your benefits are too important to risk on guesswork.
Zainab Ibrahim
I'm a freelancer and most of my income doesn't qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Does Washington state have anything for self-employed people?
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Nia Davis
•Self-employed individuals generally don't qualify for regular unemployment benefits because they don't pay into the system. However, if you also worked for covered employers during your base period, those wages could qualify you for benefits.
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StarSailor
•There was that pandemic unemployment assistance program for freelancers but I think that ended. Not sure if Washington has anything permanent for self-employed people.
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Connor O'Brien
The bottom line is that higher-paying jobs in any industry will result in higher unemployment benefits. Whether that's tech, finance, healthcare, skilled trades, or management positions - the salary is what matters, not the specific field.
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Luca Marino
•Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has been really helpful in understanding how the system works. I guess I need to focus on finding a higher-paying job for future security.
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Yara Sabbagh
•Good luck with your job search! And remember that even if your current benefits seem low, Washington also offers job training programs and other support services through WorkSource that might help you qualify for better positions.
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