First time filing - how to submit weekly claim for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I file this Sunday for last week? And what if I forget to file one week?

Yes file every Sunday. If you miss a week you can still file late but there might be delays in payment. Don't make it a habit.

What's standby status? I don't think I have that.

Standby is when your employer expects to call you back within a specific timeframe. Most people don't qualify for it.

Actually I think the job search requirement changed recently. Might want to double check that on the Washington ESD site.

I was having the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Saved me so much time and frustration. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Try calling right when they open at 8am. Sometimes you can get through faster that way.

You need to be available Monday through Friday typically, unless your normal work schedule included weekends. Answer honestly about your availability.

This is confusing because I work in retail and my normal schedule included weekends. Should I mark available for Saturday and Sunday too?

What counts as a valid job search contact? Does applying online count?

Online applications count. So do networking events, job fairs, and contacting employers directly. Just keep detailed records.

You can also register with WorkSourceWA for additional job search activities. Some people find opportunities there.

Oh no! How much trouble are you in? Can you appeal it?

I can appeal but I'm probably going to lose since I did work those hours. The penalty is 50% on top of what I have to pay back.

This is why it's so important to be completely honest on your weekly claims. Even $50 in cash work needs to be reported.

You still file for that week but report all the hours and earnings. Washington ESD will calculate if you're eligible for partial benefits.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if I should just stop filing completely when I started work.

Good tip! I'll set a recurring alarm for Sunday mornings to remind myself.

I file mine every Sunday morning with my coffee. Making it part of a routine helps me remember.

The interview itself doesn't count as a separate contact. It's a result of your initial application which already counted. But follow-up calls after the interview can count.

That makes sense. So the initial application counts as one contact, then any follow-up would be additional contacts.

Same here! That's why I'm trying to get through to them. Something is definitely wrong with their system lately.

I had payment delays and used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. The agent told me there was an issue with my job separation that needed clarification. Got it resolved the same day.

Yikes, good to know! I'll be extra careful when I file mine.

I learned this the hard way. Made a typo in my earnings and had to wait weeks to get it fixed because I couldn't get through on the phone.

There's no official Washington ESD mobile app. You have to use the website through your phone's browser. It's not great but it works.

That's disappointing. Most other government services have apps now.

Smart idea! I'll start doing that too.

I email myself the confirmation numbers. That way I have a timestamp and can search for them easily.

I hadn't thought about that. Good thing I haven't started any gig work yet.

Yeah, they consider gig work as self-employment income. Has to be reported just like any other job.

Glad we could help! Remember to file every week and be honest about everything. You'll get the hang of it.

Seriously, this community is amazing. I was so lost and now I know exactly what to do.