Does Washington ESD unemployment back pay from last day worked - confused about benefit start date

Unfortunately, Washington ESD benefits only start from the Sunday of the week you file your initial claim, not from your last day of work. There's no automatic back pay to your separation date. You can only get benefits for weeks you actually file for, so those weeks between December 15th and January 8th are lost unless there were specific circumstances that prevented you from filing.

There are some exceptions though. If you had what's called 'good cause' for the delay in filing, you might be able to get those weeks back. Things like being hospitalized, not knowing you were eligible, or your employer telling you not to file yet. You'd need to contact Washington ESD directly to request backdating.

Ugh, I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about a similar issue and can never get through. The phone lines are always busy or I get disconnected after waiting for hours. Has anyone found a better way to reach them?

Wait, I'm confused about something else. If you file late, does it affect your benefit amount or just the start date? I'm in a similar situation where I waited to file.

This is exactly why the unemployment system is so screwed up. They don't tell you any of this stuff when you get laid off, then penalize you for not knowing their arbitrary rules. I lost 6 weeks of benefits because nobody explained I had to file immediately.

For anyone reading this thread, file your claim THE SAME WEEK you lose your job. Don't wait, don't think about it, just do it. You can always withdraw it later if you get called back, but you can't get those weeks back if you wait.

OP, definitely try to get those weeks backdated. The worst they can say is no, but you might have a case since your employer told you not to file right away. Document everything about that conversation if you can remember details.

Can someone explain what exactly backdating means? I see people mention it but I'm not sure what the process actually involves.

I had success with backdating last year when I was in the hospital and couldn't file. Took about 3 weeks for them to approve it, but I got all my missed weeks paid out. The key is having solid documentation of why you couldn't file on time.

Just want to add that even if you can't get backdating, make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week going forward. Missing weekly claims can cause even more problems down the line.

Another option if you can't get through by phone is to try messaging them through your SecureAccess Washington account. Sometimes they respond faster to written messages than phone calls.

Does anyone know if there's a specific form you need to fill out for backdating requests, or do you just explain your situation when you call?

Word of advice - if you do get your backdating approved, don't spend the money right away. Sometimes there are delays or issues with the payments, and you don't want to count on money that might not show up when expected.

This thread has been really helpful. I'm in almost the exact same situation as OP and didn't realize I might be able to get those missed weeks back. Definitely going to try calling Washington ESD tomorrow.

UPDATE: OP, any luck reaching Washington ESD about your backdating request? I'm curious how it worked out.

I went through something similar last year when I got furloughed. The key thing that helped me get backdating approved was having documentation from my HR department showing they advised employees to wait before filing because they expected to bring people back within 2-3 weeks. Washington ESD considered that "good cause" for the delay. Make sure to gather any emails, texts, or written communication from your employer about the potential callback - that's going to be your strongest evidence. Also, be persistent with calling. I had to try for about a week straight before I finally got through to someone who could help with the backdating request.