Can Washington ESD employees collect unemployment if company files bankruptcy?

That's such a relief to hear! Do I need any special documentation from the company about the bankruptcy when I file?

No special bankruptcy paperwork needed. Just file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov with your normal employment info - dates, wages, reason for separation (layoff due to business closure).

How long did it take for your first payment? I'm trying to figure out my budget.

About 3 weeks total from filing to first payment, which is pretty normal. Make sure you file your weekly claims on time even before you get the approval letter.

Three weeks seems like forever when you have rent due! I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status last month.

Is that legit? I've never heard of a service that calls for you.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They just handle the calling and waiting part, then conference you in when they get an agent on the line. Super helpful when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD but can't spend hours on hold.

I was skeptical at first too but tried it when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Got through to Washington ESD the same day instead of calling for weeks myself.

Oh no, they do owe me my last paycheck plus accrued vacation time. Will I ever see that money?

You'll need to file a claim with the bankruptcy court for unpaid wages. There's usually some protection for employee wages in bankruptcy, but it can take months to resolve.

This is why everyone should have an emergency fund!! Companies can just screw you over like this.

Good point, I'll file this weekend. Can I file online right away or do I need to wait until my actual last day?

You can file your initial claim up to a week before your last day of work. Just make sure you put the correct last day of employment on the application.

3 contacts per week seems like a lot when I'm still processing everything. What counts as a job search contact?

Applying for jobs, networking contacts, job fairs, informational interviews. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list. It's actually not that hard once you get in a routine.

The job search thing is such a pain but they will audit you randomly so keep good records!!

Yeah, we literally found out yesterday. No severance, no COBRA continuation, nothing. Just here's your final day, good luck.

That's brutal but unfortunately typical. Focus on getting your UI claim filed and start networking immediately. The job market is decent right now in most fields.

Smart thinking! I'll ask HR for my complete file tomorrow. What specific documents should I ask for?

Pay stubs for the last 18 months, your hire date, job title, final wage rate. Also any documentation about the layoff reason (bankruptcy filing notice, WARN notice if they filed one).

Wow, twice? That's terrible luck. How did you handle the stress of it all?

First time was devastating, second time I was more prepared. Having unemployment benefits both times made a huge difference in keeping me afloat while job hunting.

Good to know! I would have probably put bankruptcy and maybe confused their system.

Yeah their dropdown menus can be confusing. Business closure due to lack of work is the most accurate category that fits their system.

COBRA is so expensive though. Are there other options for health coverage while unemployed?

Check the state health insurance marketplace. Depending on your income level, you might qualify for subsidies that make it cheaper than COBRA.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already going to be tight on money.

It's not free but way cheaper than missing work to sit on hold all day. Plus if you need to resolve a claim issue, it pays for itself in getting your benefits flowing again.

That's really reassuring coming from someone who worked there! Any insider tips for avoiding delays?

File online, answer all questions completely and accurately, and respond immediately to any requests for additional information. Most delays happen when people don't provide complete info upfront.

Thank you for all the support everyone. This thread has been incredibly helpful and I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

This community is great for this kind of stuff. Good luck with everything!

I bookmarked their site just in case I need it. Hopefully my claim goes smoothly but good to know there's help available if needed.

Smart move. Hope you don't need it but they're there if you do. The video demo really shows how simple the process is.