ESD claim deadline question - last worked 12/18/23, can I still apply?

There is a time limit, but you should still be okay! You have 12 months from the week you became unemployed to file your initial claim. Since your last day was 12/18/23, you have until around mid-December 2025 to file. However, you can only receive benefits for weeks after you actually file, so you've unfortunately lost potential benefits for the weeks you've waited. I recommend filing ASAP - don't wait any longer!

im pretty sure ur fine to apply but u wont get paid for the weeks u didnt claim... they dont backdate it very far i dont think

I did the exact same thing back in November! Waited almost 5 weeks thinking I'd get hired somewhere else fast. When I finally filed, they only paid me from the week I actually submitted the claim forward. So frustrating - don't wait another day!

THIS is exactly why ESD needs better communication!!! They make the rules confusing ON PURPOSE so people miss out on benefits they deserve. I waited just 3 weeks to file last year and lost over $2100 in benefits I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN!!! The system is DESIGNED to pay out as little as possible while making it look like they're helping people. Total garbage system.

Just to clarify a few things: You have a full year from your last day worked to open an initial claim, but benefits are only paid from the week you file forward. There are very limited circumstances where ESD will backdate a claim (system outages, their specific instructions to wait, etc.). When you file, you'll need to explain your work search efforts for the weeks you're claiming. Be prepared to provide this information. Since it's been over a month, make sure you have detailed records of any jobs you've applied for during this time, as they may ask about this in the context of your work search requirements.

My dad had the same thing happen but they told him you can only apply after 30 days of no work anyways so maybe you didn't actually lose any money? I'm not 100% sure about that though.

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD to ask questions about your specific situation (which is likely - their phone lines are insane), I'd recommend using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an ESD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. Really saved me when I had complicated questions about my claim. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Basically they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available.

Let us know how it goes with your claim! The application is pretty straightforward but sometimes the identity verification part can be tricky. Make sure you have your ID and social security card handy!