


Ask the community...
Whatever you decide to do, file the claim sooner rather than later. There are time limits on when you can file, and the process takes time even in straightforward cases.
One last suggestion - if you do need to call Washington ESD about your case, I'd recommend trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it last month when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication issue and it actually worked. Saved me hours of redialing and getting hung up on.
Seconding Claimyr - it's worth it just to avoid the frustration of trying to get through on your own.
Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. The weekly is what you get each week, the maximum is the total you can receive during your benefit year.
The positive spin is that this system provides a safety net for your employees if something happens to your business. It's not just a tax, it's social insurance that benefits everyone.
Make sure you understand the difference between employees and independent contractors for unemployment purposes. Misclassifying workers can lead to big problems with Washington ESD.
One more thing - even if you quit, there are some situations where you might still qualify. Things like domestic violence, stalking, medical issues, or if your employer violated labor laws. Don't assume you're automatically disqualified if you quit.
The bottom line is most people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own will qualify. The system is designed to help people who are genuinely unemployed, not to punish them. If you're unsure, file anyway and let Washington ESD make the determination.
Jenna Sloan
Final thought - even if your appeal doesn't go as planned, you can still appeal to the Board of Appeals. I had to go through two levels but eventually won. Don't give up after the first hearing if you truly believe you're right.
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Sergio Neal
•Good to know there are multiple chances. Hopefully it won't come to that but good to keep in mind.
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Jenna Sloan
•Hope you won't need it either, but it's there if you do. Best of luck with your appeal!
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Sergio Neal
Thank you everyone for all the advice! I'm filing my appeal tomorrow and feeling much more confident about the process. I'll keep filing my weekly claims and gather all my documentation. Really appreciate this community!
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Savanna Franklin
•You've got this! Come back and update us on how it goes.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•Good luck! With your documentation it sounds like you have a strong case.
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