Can I open an ESD claim now but wait to submit until after final paycheck in August?

No, you can't pre-register a claim for future use. ESD claims are meant to be filed when you're actually unemployed or have had your hours reduced. When you file a claim, it becomes effective the Sunday of the week you submit it. You'll have to wait until after your last day of work to file. I'd recommend gathering all your employment info now though (company address, phone, dates of employment, etc.) so you're ready when the time comes.

You should file your initial claim right after your last day of work, don't wait for the final paycheck to arrive. You'll need to report any income (including severance and final paychecks) when you do your weekly claims. But be aware that your final paycheck might delay when you actually receive benefits. Your claim starts on the Sunday of the week you apply, but you won't get paid for weeks where your income is over the threshold. Better to have everything in the system though!

Exactly what others said - file immediately after your last day. The ESD system will ask about upcoming payments during both your initial application and weekly claims. When you do your weekly claims, you'll report the final paycheck in the week you RECEIVE it, not when you earned it. And yes, gather this info now: - Employer's legal name, address, phone - Your start/end dates and reason for separation - SSN and ID - Bank info for direct deposit Also, start planning your job search activities - you'll need to document 3 job search activities each week once you start claiming.

Thanks everyone! One more question - I heard there's usually a waiting period before you can talk to someone at ESD if you have questions. Is there any way to speed that up? I'm worried I'll mess something up on my application.

im in ur same boat got laid off last month dont stress too much about the application its pretty simple just answer honestly but DO NOT wait to file!! file the day after ur last day worked cuz benefits start from when u apply not when u lost ur job and they wont backdate it dont make that mistake!!! and yeah youll report that final check when it comes

Just want to add - when you file, ESD might put your claim in "adjudication" if your employer contests it or if there are any questions about your eligibility. Don't panic if this happens! It's normal, especially for layoffs where severance is involved. Make sure you respond to any questionnaires they send promptly and KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS even while in adjudication. And start your job search immediately. Document everything - company names, position, date applied, contact method, etc. The job search requirements are strict now - 3 activities per week.

My cousin waited til after his final check and lost like 3 weeks of benefits cuz the system starts ur claim the week u apply not when u became unemployed! Dont make that mistake file as soon as ur done working and just report the final check when it comes in

The ESD system is so annoying. I'm still fighting with them over an overpayment notice from a job I had 6 months ago! They claim I didn't report income correctly but I absolutely did. Now they want $2,400 back! I've been trying to appeal but good luck getting anyone on the phone. The whole system is designed to be frustrating.

To summarize what everyone's said: 1. Wait until your last day of work to file 2. File immediately after your last day (don't wait for final paycheck) 3. Report your final paycheck during weekly claims for the week you receive it 4. Prepare to do and document 3 job search activities every week 5. File weekly claims consistently, even during adjudication 6. Keep records of everything Good luck with your claim and job search!