One last thing - make sure you file your new claim immediately when your benefit year ends, don't wait. There's no benefit to waiting and you could miss out on payments while they process everything.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed information! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I was really stressed about what would happen when my benefits run out, but now I feel much more prepared. I'm going to start gathering my wage documentation from the part-time work I did and use that benefit calculator someone mentioned to see if I'd qualify. It's reassuring to know that if I do qualify for a new claim, I'd get a fresh 26 weeks. I'll definitely file right when my benefit year ends and not wait around. Really appreciate this community sharing their experiences!

One last thing - keep records of everything. Screenshot confirmations, save emails, print important pages. Washington ESD's system can be glitchy sometimes.

Just wanted to add - if you're feeling overwhelmed by all this info, don't worry! I was in the same boat last year when I got laid off. The most important thing to remember is that Sunday filing date after your last day of work. Everything else you can figure out as you go. The Washington ESD website also has a pretty decent FAQ section once you dig around a bit. You'll get through this!

Another important timing consideration - make sure you complete your weekly claim filings on time each week. In Washington, you have to file your weekly claim between Sunday and the following Saturday for the previous week. If you miss that window, you can lose that week's benefits entirely. I learned this the hard way when I went on a camping trip and forgot to file my weekly claim before the Saturday deadline. Set a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar to file every Sunday morning - it only takes a few minutes once you get into the routine. The questions are pretty straightforward (did you work, are you able and available for work, did you look for work, etc.) but consistency is key.

As someone who recently went through the Washington ESD unemployment process, I want to emphasize how crucial it is to get your initial application right the first time. Beyond the timing advice already given, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready before you start. Washington ESD will also ask for your bank account information if you want direct deposit (highly recommended), so have your routing and account numbers handy. One thing that caught me off guard was that they ask very specific questions about why you're unemployed - since you mentioned it's a layoff due to company downsizing, make sure you phrase it exactly that way rather than saying something vague like "position eliminated." The more specific and accurate you are from the start, the less likely your claim will get flagged for additional review, which can delay your benefits for weeks.

Final word - no drug testing for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. File your claim, do your job searches, report accurately, and you'll be fine. Focus on the actual requirements, not the myths.

Just wanted to add my experience here - I was also worried about this when I first applied for unemployment in Washington. Turns out it's completely unfounded. Washington ESD has no drug testing requirement for regular UI benefits. I think the confusion might come from some federal programs or other states that do have testing requirements. But in Washington, they're focused on your work history, eligibility, and job search activities. Save your energy for documenting those job applications properly!

File this week if you can. The sooner you get your claim in, the sooner you can start the process. Even if there are delays, at least you'll be in the system.

Just wanted to add that when you file, make sure you have your bank account information ready if you want direct deposit. It's much faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail. Also, keep detailed records of everything - your application confirmation number, any correspondence from ESD, your weekly claim confirmations. Having good documentation saved me when I had to appeal a decision last year. Good luck with your claim!