


Ask the community...
And remember if you DO run into problems, don't just sit there waiting forever like I did. Get on the phone or use one of those services to figure out what's going on. Time is money when you're unemployed!
I'm in a similar situation - filed about 2 weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. My claim shows "approved" but no money yet. It's nerve-wracking when you have bills due! From what I'm reading here, sounds like I'm still within the normal timeframe. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and timelines - helps knowing this is normal and not just me having issues with the system.
Thanks everyone for all this info! I feel much more confident about understanding my options now. This was really helpful.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is workplace harassment or discrimination. If you have to quit because of a hostile work environment due to harassment (sexual, racial, etc.) or discrimination, that's typically considered good cause in Washington. You'll need to document incidents and show you tried to address it through proper channels first, but it's definitely a qualifying reason that more people should know about.
Bottom line for the original poster and anyone else reading: File immediately after job loss. Don't wait for paperwork, don't wait to think about it, don't wait for anything. Every day you wait is money lost forever.
As someone who went through this exact situation last year, I cannot stress enough - FILE IMMEDIATELY. I was laid off on a Wednesday and filed that same evening online. The whole process took maybe 30 minutes, and I'm so glad I didn't wait. The Washington ESD website is actually pretty user-friendly and walks you through everything step by step. You don't need any special paperwork from your employer to get started - just your basic info, work history, and reason for separation. The key thing to remember is that your benefit week starts the Sunday of the week you file, so every day you delay is literally money out of your pocket that you can never recover. Don't overthink it, just do it today!
The system is designed for exactly this situation. People lose jobs, find new jobs, lose jobs again - it's normal. The unemployment insurance system exists to help during these transitions, no matter how many times it happens.
I've been through this exact scenario multiple times! Since your claim from last year (February 2024) has definitely expired, you'll need to file a completely new claim. Don't stress about it - the process is straightforward and Washington ESD handles repeat filers all the time. Just make sure you have your recent employment information ready, including your separation reason from the most recent job. The 6 months you worked should easily meet the earnings requirements for a new claim. Good luck!
Philip Cowan
One last thing - if you're on standby status (temporarily laid off but expecting to return to work), different rules apply. You don't have to do the job search but you still need to file weekly claims and be available if your employer calls you back.
0 coins
Amun-Ra Azra
•Good to know, though that doesn't apply to my situation.
0 coins
Philip Cowan
•Yeah, just wanted to mention it since standby has its own set of potential disqualification issues.
0 coins
Dana Doyle
If anyone needs to get through to Washington ESD quickly to clarify these rules for their specific situation, seriously check out Claimyr. I was amazed how fast they got me connected to an actual person who could answer my questions.
0 coins
Caesar Grant
•I'm definitely going to try this. I've been on hold for literally hours trying to get through to someone.
0 coins
Amun-Ra Azra
•Same here. The phone system is impossible. Thanks for sharing that resource!
0 coins