Boeing should provide you with a furlough packet that includes instructions for filing unemployment. Did you receive that yet? They usually send it about 2 weeks before the furlough starts. It has all the specific codes and info you need for your claim.

Another Boeing person here going through the same thing! Just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy - the system will ask you to verify info from both. Also, if you have direct deposit set up with Boeing payroll, you can use that same bank account info for your unemployment benefits to speed up the process. One thing I learned from my last furlough - take screenshots of every page when you submit your application! The system sometimes glitches and you'll want proof of what you submitted if there are any issues later. Good luck to all of us Boeing folks - hopefully this goes smoother than the 2020 mess!

Just to add some specific info - in Washington state, you generally have 52 weeks from your last day of work to file an initial claim. But again, benefits only start from when you file, not when you became unemployed. So that 52-week window doesn't help you get back pay.

UPDATE: Just filed my claim online. Took about 30 minutes to complete all the forms. Thanks everyone for pushing me to do this today instead of waiting longer!

Glad you're making progress! Make sure to follow up if you don't receive that letter within the 10 days they promised. In my experience, it's worth calling again after about 7 business days to verify the supervisor actually processed the request. Hope this resolves it for you!

This is such a relief to hear you're finally getting somewhere! I've been following this thread because I'm dealing with something similar - ESD claiming I owe $2,100 from last spring when I was temporarily laid off. Like you, I've called multiple times and been told it's an error on their end, but the bills keep coming with more interest. Reading everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful. I'm definitely going to try the formal appeal route and specifically ask for written documentation. The fact that they can garnish wages and tax refunds even when their own agents confirm you don't owe anything is terrifying. Please keep us updated on whether you actually receive that letter from the supervisor! If this approach works, it could help a lot of us who are stuck in this same nightmare loop with their billing department.

Good luck with your claim! The process can be frustrating but once you get through the initial application and any potential adjudication, the weekly claims are pretty straightforward.

Just wanted to add one more thing - when you file your initial claim, make sure you answer all questions honestly and completely. Washington ESD will verify everything with your former employers, so any discrepancies can delay your claim. Also, keep copies of all your paperwork and document every step of the process. It'll save you headaches later if any issues come up. The system isn't perfect but it does work once you get through the initial hurdles.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. Really valuable information that I wish I had known 6 weeks ago. Filing my claim now!

I'm in the same boat as many of you - got laid off 3 weeks ago and kept thinking "I'll find something next week" so I didn't file. Reading all these responses makes it clear I need to stop procrastinating and file today. It's frustrating that Washington ESD doesn't allow retroactive benefits, but I guess that's just how the system works. Better to cut my losses now and get the process started rather than lose even more weeks. Thanks for all the helpful info about weekly claims and job search requirements - definitely things I need to keep in mind once I get my claim going.