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The most important thing is just to file your claim as soon as possible after you become unemployed. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, so don't wait thinking you'll find work quickly. File first, then if you find work right away you can just stop claiming.
One more thing - if you're still employed part-time, you might want to ask your employer about reducing your hours instead of laying you off completely. Sometimes you can get partial unemployment benefits while working reduced hours, which might be better financially than being completely unemployed.
It's called work sharing or partial unemployment. Not all employers participate but it's worth asking about. You still have to meet the job search requirements though.
Just want to say thanks to everyone who helped explain this process. I was really overwhelmed when I lost my job but this thread has been super helpful. Going to start my application tomorrow morning.
One more thing - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while the adjudication is pending. If you get approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks. If you don't file them, you lose those weeks forever.
The whole process can be really stressful but hang in there. Most people who get fired for performance issues end up getting approved for benefits. Washington ESD knows the difference between someone who can't do the job and someone who won't do the job.
I went through this whole process 6 months ago and the biggest thing is just being patient. It takes time but if you qualify you'll get your benefits. Don't stress too much about the requirements - they're more straightforward than they seem at first.
One last thing - if you get denied for any reason, don't panic. You have the right to appeal and lots of denials get overturned on appeal. The important thing is to file the appeal within 30 days of getting the denial notice.
Appeals are actually pretty common and successful if you have good documentation. Don't let a denial discourage you.
If you do need to appeal, that's another time when getting through to Washington ESD by phone is really important. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier could be helpful for that too.
Myles Regis
The whole unemployment system is designed to be confusing on purpose if you ask me. They don't want to make it easy to get benefits. But if you're persistent and follow all the rules exactly, you'll eventually get through the process.
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Brian Downey
•That's a pretty cynical view but probably not wrong
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Talia Klein
•While the system can be frustrating, it's more about ensuring program integrity than making it difficult. Following the requirements carefully is the best approach.
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Jacinda Yu
Bottom line - apply as soon as possible, be completely honest, file your weekly claims every week, and keep detailed records of everything. Most people who follow these basic steps don't have major issues with their claims.
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Cedric Chung
•Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I'm going to start my application tonight.
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Talia Klein
•Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any specific issues during the process.
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