Just to clarify one thing I didn't see mentioned: make sure when you do get to file your weekly claim that you accurately report your earnings for that one day of work. It's always better to overreport than underreport, as underreporting can lead to overpayment issues later. You'll still receive partial unemployment for the days you didn't work, as long as your earnings for that one day don't exceed your weekly benefit amount.

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago and it was so stressful! Like others have said, you definitely need to wait for the reopened claim to process first - usually 1-3 business days. The good news is that once it processes, you'll be able to backfile for that partial week where you only worked one day. I was worried I'd lose out on those benefits too, but the system does allow you to file for previous weeks once your claim is active again. Just keep checking your eServices dashboard daily and the "File weekly claim" option should appear. Don't panic if it takes the full 3 days - the system is just slow sometimes!

Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. I feel a lot more confident about my claim now. Will update when I hear back from Washington ESD!

I just went through this exact situation last month - got fired for "performance issues" but really felt like they were just cutting staff. I was honest on my Washington ESD application and put "terminated for performance" and kept the explanation brief and factual. Got approved within 2 weeks! The key is showing you weren't doing anything intentionally wrong. If you were genuinely trying your best but struggling with unrealistic expectations or lack of proper training/support, that's usually not considered misconduct. Don't stress too much - most performance-related terminations still qualify for benefits as long as there wasn't willful misconduct involved.

Hope your claim goes smoothly! The first time is always nerve-wracking but once you get into the routine of weekly claims and job searching, it becomes pretty straightforward. Just remember that Washington ESD is there to help, even if the system can be frustrating sometimes.

One more thing that might help - make sure to keep copies of everything you submit. I screenshot every page of my application and save all the confirmation numbers. Washington ESD's system occasionally has glitches and having your own records can save you from having to redo everything. Also, if you get any mail from them, read it carefully and respond by the deadlines. Missing a deadline can cause your benefits to get suspended. Good luck with your filing!

UPDATE: OP, any luck reaching Washington ESD about your backdating request? I'm curious how it worked out.

I went through something similar last year when I got furloughed. The key thing that helped me get backdating approved was having documentation from my HR department showing they advised employees to wait before filing because they expected to bring people back within 2-3 weeks. Washington ESD considered that "good cause" for the delay. Make sure to gather any emails, texts, or written communication from your employer about the potential callback - that's going to be your strongest evidence. Also, be persistent with calling. I had to try for about a week straight before I finally got through to someone who could help with the backdating request.

Thanks everyone for explaining this. I feel like they should teach this stuff in school so people understand how unemployment insurance actually works. It's not a handout - it's insurance that employers pay for on behalf of their workers.

This thread really helped me understand something I never thought about before. I'm currently on unemployment after getting laid off from a tech startup, and I always assumed there was some kind of employee contribution I was missing. It's actually pretty reassuring to know that my former employer was paying into this system the whole time I worked there. Makes me feel less guilty about collecting benefits since it's literally insurance they paid for. Also explains why some companies are so reluctant to do layoffs - didn't realize their tax rates could go up based on claims history.