Can you apply for unemployment before you get laid off in Washington?

No, you cannot file a Washington ESD claim before your separation date. You must wait until after your last day of work to file. The system requires an actual separation from employment, not an anticipated one. However, you can file your claim the day after your last day of work - you don't have to wait longer than that.

I tried filing early when I knew my layoff was coming and Washington ESD rejected it immediately. Had to wait and refile after my actual separation date. Don't make the same mistake I did - it just delays everything.

Use this waiting time to gather all your documents. You'll need your employer's name, address, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Also have your Social Security card and ID ready. Being prepared will make the actual filing much smoother.

I was in the same situation last year and was so frustrated trying to get through to Washington ESD to ask questions. The phone lines are impossible. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent when I had issues with my claim. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Another thing to consider - if you know your layoff is coming, start your job search activities now. Washington ESD requires job search activities once you start claiming, so having a head start helps. Keep track of everything in a log.

why do they make it so complicated?? i got laid off last month and still waiting for my first payment. the whole system is broken

Adjudication means Washington ESD is reviewing something about your claim - could be your separation reason, wages, or eligibility. It can take several weeks depending on their workload.

I had adjudication issues too and Claimyr helped me get through to someone who could explain what was happening. Much better than the automated system that tells you nothing.

Back to the original question - definitely wait until after separation. But also know that your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you were laid off. So don't delay once you're eligible.

Also make sure you understand the waiting week. In Washington, there's no waiting week anymore, so you can get paid for your first week if you're eligible.

Don't forget about COBRA or other health insurance options. Losing your job means losing your health coverage too. Plan for that expense.

been there, it sucks but you'll get through it. just file as soon as you can after your last day and be patient with the process

One more tip - when you do file, make sure you have a quiet place and good internet connection. The application can take 30-45 minutes and you don't want to get kicked out partway through.

If your company offers severance, that might affect when you can start collecting unemployment. Check with Washington ESD about how severance impacts your claim timing.

washington esd website has a pretty good checklist of what you need before filing. worth looking at while you're waiting

Just remember that even after you file, you have to keep filing weekly claims to get paid. It's not automatic. Set a reminder so you don't miss a week.

The hardest part is the uncertainty while waiting for approval. Try to stay busy with job searching and don't stress too much about things outside your control.

Used Claimyr myself when I couldn't get answers about my pending claim. Worth it when you really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. The peace of mind is valuable when you're already dealing with job loss stress.