This thread has been super helpful! I'm only on week 8 but good to know what I'm working with timeline-wise. Gives me a better sense of urgency for my job search.

Thanks for asking this question! I'm also navigating unemployment for the first time and the 26-week limit was something I wasn't fully aware of when I started. It's definitely motivating to know there's a firm deadline. One thing I've learned is that Washington ESD's website has a benefit calculator that can help you track exactly how many weeks you have left based on your earnings history. Also worth noting that if you do any part-time or freelance work while collecting, it might stretch out your benefit period since you won't be using your full weekly amount each time. Good luck with your job search - the tech market is challenging but there are opportunities out there!

make sure u keep ur ESD account login info somewhere safe in case u need it again!! i lost all my info and had to go thru the whole identity verification nightmare again when i got laid off a second time last year 🤦‍♂️

Great advice everyone! I just want to add one more thing - when you file that final weekly claim, make sure you answer the work search questions correctly too. Since you're now employed full-time, you won't need to show work search activities for that week. But if you did any job searching earlier in the week before you started work, you might still need to report those activities. Also, keep screenshots or records of your final claim submission just in case there are any questions later. ESD's system can be glitchy sometimes and it's good to have proof that you properly reported your return to work and earnings. Better safe than sorry!

UPDATE: My backdating was approved! Used that new form in the eServices portal that @profile2 mentioned, and got an approval email after 6 days. My waiting week is now correctly showing as May 5-11, and I'm getting paid for May 12-18. For anyone else with this issue, definitely check for that form under More Services before spending hours on the phone!

Wow, this is such helpful information! I'm new to this community and currently dealing with my own unemployment claim issues. It's really reassuring to see that there are multiple ways to get help - from calling ESD directly to using the messaging system and now this new "Request Claim Adjustment" form. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. It's clear that persistence pays off, and it's great to see @Oscar Murphy got his issue resolved! This gives me hope for my own claim situation.

If anyone else is dealing with getting through to Washington ESD about quit situations, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. Being able to actually talk to an agent when you need clarification on these complex good cause rules is invaluable. The peace of mind alone was worth it for me.

I've been through a similar situation and can share some hard-learned lessons. First, make absolutely sure you understand Washington's specific definition of "good cause" before you quit. The state looks at whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under the same circumstances, and they'll scrutinize whether you exhausted all other options first. Document everything with dates, times, and witnesses. If it's harassment, save emails, texts, and write down verbal incidents immediately. If it's unsafe conditions, take photos if possible. Try to address issues through your company's HR department or management in writing - this shows you attempted to resolve things internally. Most importantly, consider calling Washington ESD BEFORE you quit to discuss your specific situation. They can't guarantee approval, but they can help you understand what documentation you'll need and whether your situation potentially qualifies. Getting this guidance upfront could save you weeks of uncertainty and potential financial hardship later. The process can take 4-6 weeks for adjudication, so make sure you have some financial cushion. But don't let that stop you from leaving a truly toxic situation - your mental health and safety matter too.

Bottom line for OP: File by Sunday night, expect payment Wednesday morning, check your Washington ESD account if there are any delays. The system is pretty reliable once you know the schedule.

One thing I learned the hard way - make sure your bank account info is exactly right when you set up direct deposit. I had one digit wrong in my routing number and it took 3 weeks to get it sorted out because the payment kept bouncing back to Washington ESD. Double and triple check those numbers! Also keep your bank statements handy in case they need verification.