How far back can you claim unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Washington ESD typically allows you to backdate your claim up to one year from when you file, but there are specific requirements you have to meet. You need to show good cause for why you didn't file earlier. Things like not knowing you were eligible, medical issues, or other circumstances beyond your control might qualify.

What counts as 'good cause'? I honestly just didn't know I could apply since I'd never been unemployed before.

Not knowing you were eligible can sometimes count as good cause, especially if you're a first-time filer. You'll need to explain your situation when you request the backdate.

I had to backdate my claim last year and it was a total nightmare trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD to explain my situation. Spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or being hung up on after waiting for hours.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically they handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent is available.

Interesting, I'll have to check that out. Anything is better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected.

Be prepared for a long process if you're trying to backdate. Washington ESD will want documentation proving when you became unemployed and why you didn't file sooner. Keep all your termination paperwork, job search records, anything that shows your timeline.

I still have my termination letter and some emails about my last day. Would that be enough documentation?

That's a good start. Also gather any medical records if health issues delayed your filing, or documentation of any other circumstances that prevented you from applying earlier.

Wait, you can backdate unemployment claims?? I had no idea! I was laid off in September and just filed last month because I thought I had to wait until my severance ran out.

Yes, but having severance might complicate your backdating request. Severance pay can affect your eligibility during those weeks you received it.

Oh no, does that mean I can't get benefits for those weeks at all?

Not necessarily. It depends on how the severance was structured and when it was paid. You should definitely talk to ESD about your specific situation.

The one year rule is real but getting it approved is another story. I tried to backdate 6 months and they denied it initially. Had to file an appeal and it took forever to get resolved.

How long did the appeal process take? I'm already behind on bills so I'm worried about more delays.

Mine took about 3 months total, but that was during COVID when everything was backed up. Might be faster now but still expect some wait time.

I'm confused about this whole backdating thing. If you didn't file when you first became unemployed, how do they know you were actually looking for work during those weeks? Don't you have to prove you were available and searching?

Good question! You do need to show you were available for work during the weeks you're requesting benefits for. This means having records of job applications, interviews, networking activities, etc.

I kept a spreadsheet of all my applications but didn't know about the work search log requirement. Is that going to be a problem?

A spreadsheet of applications is actually great documentation! That shows you were actively job searching even if you didn't use ESD's official work search log.

Pro tip: when you call to request backdating, have all your documentation ready and be very clear about your timeline. The agents are usually helpful but they need specific information to process your request properly.

How do I actually get through to talk to someone? Every time I call I just get a busy signal or stuck in the queue forever.

That's the biggest challenge with ESD right now. I mentioned Claimyr earlier - that service really does help with getting through. Otherwise try calling right when they open at 8am or during lunch hours when call volume might be lower.

This is so frustrating! Why doesn't Washington ESD make this information more clear on their website? I've been reading through their pages and there's barely any mention of backdating rules.

Tell me about it. Their website is awful for finding specific information like this. Most of what I learned came from trial and error or forums like this one.

The information is there but it's buried in their policy manuals. They really need to make it easier for regular people to understand their options.

I successfully backdated my claim 8 months last year. Key things that helped: I had medical documentation for why I couldn't work initially, kept detailed job search records, and was persistent with following up. Don't give up if they deny it initially!

That's encouraging! Did you have to provide the medical documentation upfront or only after they asked for it?

I included it with my initial backdating request. Better to provide too much documentation than not enough in my experience.

Just want to add that even if you get approved for backdating, it can take several weeks to actually receive those back payments. Plan accordingly because it's not immediate money.

Good to know. I'm hoping to at least get the process started soon. Every week I wait is another week of potential benefits I'm missing.

Exactly! The sooner you file, the better. Even if the backdating gets denied, at least you'll be getting current benefits while you figure it out.

Does anyone know if there are different rules for different types of job loss? Like if you were laid off vs fired vs quit?

The backdating rules are generally the same regardless of how you became unemployed, but your reason for job loss affects your overall eligibility. Being laid off is usually straightforward, being fired or quitting can be more complex.

I was laid off due to company downsizing so that should be okay then. Thanks for clarifying!

I tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked! Got connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling for hours myself. Worth every penny when you're trying to sort out backdating issues.

How much does it cost? I'm already tight on money so I want to make sure it's worth it.

I don't want to quote prices since they might change, but for me it was definitely worth it to actually talk to someone instead of wasting entire days trying to get through on my own.

Another thing to consider - if you do get backdated benefits, you might owe taxes on a larger lump sum. Just something to keep in mind for tax planning.

Oh I hadn't thought about the tax implications. Would it all count as income for this year even if it's for last year?

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable in the year you receive them, not the year they were originally for. Might want to set aside some money for taxes.

Been through this process twice unfortunately. Make sure you understand the difference between backdating your claim date vs getting benefits for specific weeks. They're related but slightly different processes.

What's the difference? I thought backdating meant getting benefits for previous weeks you missed.

Backdating establishes when your claim period starts. Then you have to certify for each individual week within that period. You might get the backdate approved but still have some weeks denied for other reasons.

The Washington ESD adjudication process for backdated claims can take forever. Mine sat in adjudication for over a month just for the backdating decision, then additional time for the individual week determinations.

A month?? I can't wait that long for an answer. Is there any way to speed it up?

Not really, but calling to check on the status occasionally might help move things along. The squeaky wheel sometimes gets the grease with ESD.

Word of advice: keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit for your backdating request. ESD has a habit of losing paperwork and you don't want to have to recreate documentation months later.

Good point! Should I send everything by mail with tracking or is online submission okay?

I always do both - upload online and mail copies with delivery confirmation. Redundancy is your friend when dealing with government agencies.

If you do get approved for backdating, don't forget that you'll need to complete work search activities for each week retroactively. They might ask for proof that you were actively looking during those weeks.

I have some job applications saved in my email but not a complete record. Will partial documentation be enough?

It's better than nothing, but try to reconstruct as complete a record as possible. Check your browser history, email sent folder, any job sites you used - gather whatever evidence you can find.

Last thing - even if your backdating gets denied, you can appeal that decision too. Don't just accept the first answer if you truly believe you have good cause for the delay in filing.

How long do you have to file an appeal if they deny the backdating?

Usually 30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait - appeals can take time to process too.

Bottom line OP - file your regular claim now even while you're working on the backdating request. At least you'll start getting current benefits while you sort out the past weeks. Time is money with unemployment benefits!

That makes sense. I'll file the regular claim today and then work on gathering documentation for the backdating request. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

Smart approach! Good luck with your claim and don't hesitate to ask if you run into other questions during the process.

Just wanted to add that when you do call ESD about backdating, make sure you have your Social Security number, the exact dates of your unemployment period, and your reason for the delayed filing ready before you even get connected. The agents often have limited time per call and having all your info organized will help make the most of that conversation. Also, if the first agent you talk to seems unsure about backdating rules, don't be afraid to politely ask to speak with a supervisor - some agents are more knowledgeable about these less common situations than others.

I went through a similar situation last year - lost my job in November but didn't apply until February because I thought I had to exhaust my savings first (classic mistake). Washington ESD did approve my backdating request, but the key was being very thorough with documentation. Beyond just your termination letter, try to gather bank statements showing when your last paycheck was deposited, any COBRA notifications, even screenshots of job board searches if you have them. The more you can show a clear timeline of when you became unemployed and what you were doing during those weeks, the stronger your case will be. Also, when you explain why you didn't file earlier, be honest but concise - "I was unaware of my eligibility as a first-time unemployment claimant" is perfectly valid good cause. Don't overthink it too much, just get your current claim filed ASAP and then work on the backdating paperwork.