Boeing furlough - when can I file for unemployment before furlough actually starts?

You can apply for benefits up to 1 week before your furlough starts, but not earlier than that. The ESD system won't let you backdate a claim beyond the week you apply, and you can't claim benefits for weeks you haven't yet been furloughed. When you do apply, make sure to indicate your return-to-work date if you have one, as that will put you on 'standby' status so you won't need to do the job search activities.

fellow boeing person here! in the same situation. my manager told us to wait until the actual day our furlough starts to apply. something about how the system processes the dates. but i dunno if thats right cuz my cousin filed for unemployment last year and said to do it the week before.

I went through a Boeing furlough in 2020. Here's what you need to know: 1. You can file your INITIAL application up to 1 week before your furlough starts 2. Your claim won't actually be active until your first day of furlough 3. You can't file weekly claims until after your furlough has actually started 4. Make sure you have your separation notice from Boeing ready when you apply - you'll need the exact dates 5. Yes, request standby status since you have a return date The system will ask if you've been laid off or if you're on standby - select standby and enter your return-to-work date. This exempts you from job search requirements for up to 8 weeks. If your furlough is longer than 8 weeks, you'll need to request an extension to remain on standby status.

For the standby extension beyond 8 weeks, you'll need to have Boeing submit a request to ESD. Talk to your HR rep about this - they should handle it. If they don't, you'll start getting alerts in your ESD account around week 7 telling you that your standby status is expiring and you'll need to start doing job searches. One other tip - when you first apply, ESD's online system gets VERY backed up during mass furloughs. If you're having trouble getting through, I recommend using the Claimyr service (claimyr.com). They help you connect with an ESD agent by phone without waiting on hold for hours. Saved me a ton of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

u need to wait until ur ACTUALLY furloughed. i tried filing early last year and got denied. had to reapply and it was a HUGE mess. just my 2 cents

I'm not Boeing but went through a similar situation with Microsoft last year. When you file, make sure you answer the question about "able and available for work" correctly! I said "no" because I knew I was going back to my job after furlough and it caused my claim to get stuck in adjudication for WEEKS. The correct answer is "yes" even though you have a return-to-work date. So frustrating!

I just went through this whole process!!! The ESD website says you can apply "during your first week of total or partial unemployment" - so technically you're supposed to wait until your furlough actually starts. BUT everyone I know who applied exactly 1 week before got approved with no issues. Just don't go earlier than that. And prepare for WEEKS of stress. My application got stuck "pending" for 3 weeks even though I filled everything out correctly. Turns out Boeing hadn't responded to ESD's verification request. I finally had to call and spent 4 HOURS on hold. Absolutely ridiculous system.

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.