Can I get unemployment if I'm laid off from my job in Washington state?

That's a relief! Do I need to wait until my actual last day or can I file before then?

You should file the Sunday after your last day of work. Don't file before your employment actually ends or it could cause issues with your claim.

Good to know, thanks! How long did it take for your benefits to start?

Took about 2 weeks for my first payment. Just make sure you file your weekly claims every week even while waiting.

Is that legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They just help you get through the phone queue, you still talk directly to Washington ESD staff.

I've heard good things about Claimyr from other people on here. Might be worth it if you can't get through on your own.

They said it's a reduction in force due to budget cuts. Should I ask for something specific in writing?

Get a layoff letter that clearly states you're being laid off due to lack of work or company restructuring. Keep any emails about the layoffs too.

Thanks, yeah it's scary but hopefully I can find something soon. Do you know how long benefits last?

In Washington, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks, but it depends on your work history and how much you earned.

What counts as a job contact? Just applying online or do I need to do more?

Online applications count, but you can also include networking contacts, job fairs, interviews, etc. Just keep detailed records.

I always wondered about this too. Can you use LinkedIn networking as job contacts?

Perfect, I'll bookmark that site. Is there anything I should avoid doing that might mess up my claim?

Don't work any hours without reporting them, even small gigs. Always be honest about any income. And file your weekly claims on time every week.

Did she have to do anything special since it was a big company layoff?

Nope, same process. Actually big companies usually have their paperwork together better so it might be easier.

They mentioned a small severance package. Should I turn it down to get benefits sooner?

Don't turn down severance! Just report it when you file your claim. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your benefits start date.

Yeah never turn down severance. It's usually worth more than the delay in benefits, and you'll still get your full unemployment amount eventually.

Sorry you've had to deal with this multiple times. How long did the whole process take each time?

first time took about 3 weeks to get first payment, second time was faster maybe 2 weeks. depends on how backed up they are

I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully I won't need to call but good to know there's an option.

I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone who could help.

That's a good way to think about it. I guess I never really thought about it as insurance I was paying for.

Exactly! You earned this benefit through your work. Don't feel bad about using it.

Good tip, thanks! I definitely want to get payments as quickly as possible.

Yeah and keep your banking info updated if anything changes. Any delays in payment usually come from outdated account information.

Is that required or just recommended?

It's not required upfront but they might refer you to WorkSource services later, so getting familiar with it early can't hurt.

That's smart thinking. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Exactly. And if you do find work quickly, you can always stop filing weekly claims. No harm in having the safety net ready.

Oh that's good to know! I was wondering about that.

Yeah it used to be you had to wait a week with no payment but they eliminated that. Every week you're unemployed and eligible counts now.

I'll check that out. It would be helpful to have an idea of what to expect.

Yeah the calculator gives you a good ballpark. Maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently $999 but most people get less than that.

Good advice. I've been saving all the emails about the restructuring already.

Perfect. The more documentation you have, the smoother the process will be. Washington ESD likes to see clear evidence of why the employment ended.

I'll definitely remember that option. Sounds like it could be really helpful if I run into any roadblocks.

I second the Claimyr recommendation. Used them when I had an issue with my weekly claim and they got me through to someone who fixed it right away.

You're welcome! Come back if you have any other questions during the process.

Good luck with everything! The job market is tough but unemployment benefits will help bridge the gap while you search.

You've got this! The process is pretty straightforward and you have all the info you need now.