Can unemployment be backdated through Washington ESD - filed late due to confusion

Yes, Washington ESD can backdate claims but there are specific rules about it. You generally need to show good cause for why you didn't file when you first became unemployed. Being confused about eligibility requirements might qualify as good cause, especially if you can document that confusion.

I had my claim backdated last year! Filed about 3 weeks late because I was dealing with a family emergency and couldn't focus on paperwork. Washington ESD approved the backdating after I explained the situation. You need to request it specifically when you talk to them.

You're not automatically entitled to backdating just because you filed late. Washington ESD looks at whether you had good cause for the delay. Valid reasons include things like illness, family emergencies, or receiving incorrect information from an official source. General confusion about the process might work but isn't guaranteed.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a system that calls repeatedly until they connect you. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

The backdating window is usually pretty limited though. I think Washington ESD only goes back so far, maybe 4-6 weeks max? Don't quote me on that but I remember reading something about time limits.

I'm in almost the exact same situation! Lost my job in early February but didn't file until this week because I thought unemployment was only for people who got fired, not laid off. Now I'm worried I screwed myself out of a month of benefits.

Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the backdating decision. Don't let any current weeks slip by while you're dealing with the past weeks.

The Washington ESD website has information about backdating under their FAQ section. It explains the good cause requirements and gives examples of acceptable reasons. Might be worth reading before you call so you know how to present your case.

Had a friend who got backdated because she was told by someone at a temp agency that she couldn't file for unemployment while doing temp work. Turns out that was wrong information and Washington ESD backdated her claim once she explained the situation.

Just want to add that if they approve your backdating, it might take a while to see all the payments. The system has to process each week individually, so don't panic if you don't get everything at once.

Whatever you do, be completely honest about why you filed late. They can check dates and verify information, so don't try to embellish or make up reasons.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and actually got through to Washington ESD yesterday. The agent was really helpful about explaining backdating requirements. Definitely worth trying if you're having phone troubles.

Don't forget you'll need to complete the job search requirements for any backdated weeks too. They might ask you to document what job search activities you did during those weeks.

The whole system is so unnecessarily complicated. They should make it clearer that you need to file immediately when you become unemployed, not when you think you might qualify.

Update us when you hear back about the backdating! I'm curious how it goes since I might be in a similar situation soon.

Good luck with the backdating request. The fact that you filed as soon as you understood the process should work in your favor. Shows you weren't trying to delay or game the system.