Can I file for unemployment if I get laid off from my job in Washington?

Thanks! Should I wait until my actual last day to file or can I file before that?

File on or after your last day of work, not before. Washington ESD needs you to be actually unemployed to process your claim.

Got it, that makes sense. I'm hoping they give us some advance notice of the exact date.

Do I need anything specific from my employer like a letter or documentation about the layoff?

Not required but it can help if there are any questions. Most employers provide a separation notice that explains the reason.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the gap in income.

Mine took about 3 weeks total but that included the waiting week. Some people get approved faster, some take longer if there are complications.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to ESD agents. I used it when my claim got stuck and it saved me hours of calling. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Hopefully the process goes smoothly though.

Wait, so I have to do something every single week? What happens if I forget?

Yes, you file a weekly claim every week to get paid for that week. If you miss filing, you might not get paid for that week. Set a reminder!

I missed filing one week by accident and it was a huge hassle to get it fixed. Definitely set up reminders on your phone or calendar.

Do they actually check that you're looking for work or is it just honor system?

They can audit your job search log so you need to keep real records. Don't just make stuff up - they sometimes verify with employers.

The job search requirement is actually 3 job search activities per week, not necessarily 3 applications. Can include networking, job fairs, etc. Just document everything properly.

Yeah it's really stressful. Do you know roughly how much I might qualify for with my salary?

It's based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. With your salary you'd probably get somewhere in the $400-600 per week range but don't quote me on that.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I do feel weird about it even though I know it's not my fault.

Totally normal to feel that way but you earned this benefit. Use it while you find your next opportunity.

Good point. I'll file the same day as my last day of work then.

Exactly. And keep all your paperwork organized from day one. Makes everything easier if questions come up later.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

It's just when they need to review your claim more carefully. Usually happens if there's any question about why you left your job, but for layoffs it's pretty routine.

If you do get stuck in adjudication and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that's another situation where Claimyr really helps. Getting through the phone lines during busy periods is nearly impossible otherwise.

I'm pretty comfortable with online stuff so that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks everyone for all the help!

No problem! Hope everything works out for you. The layoff part sucks but at least the unemployment process isn't too bad once you get started.

Oh wow I didn't even think about taxes. Thanks for mentioning that.

Yeah it catches some people off guard. Better to plan for it upfront than get surprised later.

Thank you, I really appreciate all the support and advice from everyone here. Feeling much more prepared now.