


Ask the community...
The bottom line is that backdating is possible but not guaranteed. If you think you have a legitimate reason for not filing immediately, it's worth pursuing. The worst they can do is say no.
One last thing - make sure your initial unemployment claim is still active or reopenable. If it's been closed for too long, you might need to file a new claim entirely.
One last thing - if you end up needing to call Washington ESD about your claim status, that Claimyr thing people mentioned really does work. I was skeptical at first but it got me through when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication.
Bottom line: yes, you can get unemployment if you're fired. File immediately, be honest but strategic about how you describe the termination, and don't let your employer intimidate you. You've got this!
I used Claimyr when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD and it was a lifesaver. My claim had been stuck in adjudication for two months and I was getting desperate. They got me connected to an agent who was able to tell me exactly what documentation was missing from my file. Resolved the whole thing in one phone call.
UPDATE: I filed my claim this morning and it was way easier than I expected. The online system walked me through everything step by step. Now I just have to wait and see if it gets approved. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice!
One more tip - if you work any hours or earn any money during a week, report it honestly on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefits accordingly but won't disqualify you unless you earn too much.
The whole process stressed me out so much when I first filed. Just take it one step at a time and don't panic if something seems confusing. The system works, it's just not user-friendly.
Genevieve Cavalier
The whole process seems scary at first but Washington ESD has actually improved their system a lot over the past few years. The online portal works pretty well most of the time.
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Julian Paolo
•That's good to hear. I was worried it would be super complicated and bureaucratic.
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Genevieve Cavalier
•It's definitely gotten more user-friendly. Just be patient with yourself as you learn the system and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
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Ethan Scott
Bottom line - you earned these benefits by working and paying into the system. File your claim ASAP and don't feel guilty about using a program you paid for. Good luck with your job search!
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Julian Paolo
•Thank you so much everyone! I feel way more confident about applying now. Going to start the process tonight.
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Lauren Johnson
•You're welcome! And remember, if you run into any issues getting through to Washington ESD for help, Claimyr is there as a backup option. Made my whole experience much less stressful.
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