Do you have to file Washington ESD unemployment claims every week?

So if I'm on vacation for a week and forget to file, I just lose that week's payment?

Pretty much, yeah. You might be able to get it restored if you have a really good reason, but it's a hassle. Better to just set a phone reminder.

Wait, so I file on Saturday for the week that just ended? I thought you filed on Sunday for the upcoming week.

No, you file for the week that already happened. So if you worked Monday-Wednesday and were unemployed Thursday-Saturday, you'd report those 3 days of work when you file.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks about a question on my claim and can never get through.

Yeah it worked for me. I was getting hung up on after waiting an hour every time I called. With Claimyr I got connected to an actual person within 20 minutes.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already struggling financially.

This is so stressful. What if there's a technical problem with the website when I try to file?

The website does crash sometimes, especially on busy days. If that happens, try filing early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are online.

Oh no! Did you try to appeal that or get those weeks back somehow?

I tried but Washington ESD said it was my responsibility to know the filing requirements. Expensive lesson learned.

That's brutal. The system really doesn't give you much room for error.

Good point. I always file mine on Sunday morning with my coffee. Makes it routine.

Thanks for the tip! I was planning to wait until Saturday each week.

It's to make sure you're still actively looking for work and haven't found a job. Also to report any part-time work you might have done.

I guess that makes sense but its still annoying when you know you didnt work at all

How many jobs do you have to apply to each week? I keep hearing different numbers.

It's 3 job search activities per week for most people. Can be applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. Not just applications.

Do they actually check that you did those job searches or is it just honor system?

They can audit you anytime, so keep good records. Some people get selected for review and have to provide proof of all their job search activities.

What if I work like 10 hours at a temp job? Do I still get any unemployment that week?

Depends on how much you earn. There's a formula but generally you can earn up to a certain amount before your weekly benefit gets reduced to zero.

Smart idea. I'm definitely doing this after reading about people who forgot and lost weeks.

Good suggestion, I'm setting one up right now.

what if you file wrong though? like report the wrong information by accident?

You can usually correct minor errors, but it's better to be careful the first time. Double-check your work and earnings info before submitting.

Makes sense from their perspective I guess, even though it's inconvenient for us.

still feels like they're treating us like criminals when we already lost our jobs

Is there a number to call for filing weekly claims?

Yes, but honestly I'd recommend using Claimyr if you need to reach Washington ESD by phone for any reason. The regular phone lines are impossible to get through on.

I tried calling Washington ESD for weeks about an adjudication issue and never got through until I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Totally worth it when you actually need to talk to a human.

True, I worked for years paying into this system so I shouldn't feel bad about using it when I need it.

Exactly! You earned these benefits through your previous work.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about the process now.

Good luck! And remember if you run into any issues with Washington ESD that require talking to an agent, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can save you hours of frustration trying to get through on the phone.

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