How late can you apply for unemployment with Washington ESD - missed deadline?

Ugh that's what I was afraid of. So I basically lost 3 months of benefits because I waited?

Pretty much yeah. But definitely still file now so you don't lose any more weeks. Better late than never.

Ok so I haven't completely missed the boat then. Just lost a bunch of money from waiting.

Wait is that really true about the one year thing? I thought it was shorter than that.

Yeah it's one year to establish your benefit year. But again, no back pay for the weeks you didn't file.

Yeah I'm definitely filing today. Kicking myself for waiting this long.

Good advice. Washington ESD doesn't mess around with the timing rules.

Thanks I'll look into that. I tried calling Washington ESD yesterday and couldn't get through.

I've heard of Claimyr but never tried it. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status. Saved me hours of trying to call.

That makes sense. So I should still qualify for benefits going forward, just not for the months I waited.

Exactly. And make sure you file your weekly claims every week once you get approved or you'll lose those weeks too.

It's a common mistake. A lot of people think unemployment is like a last resort instead of something you're entitled to.

Yeah that's exactly what I thought. Lesson learned I guess.

There are some exceptions for good cause but they're pretty limited. You'd need to show you physically couldn't file due to circumstances beyond your control.

Hmm probably doesn't apply to just thinking you'd find a job quickly then.

Yeah definitely don't wait any longer! File today if you can.

Seriously, every week you wait is money you're losing. Washington ESD doesn't care why you waited.

For real. They should give you a packet explaining all this when you get your pink slip.

Some employers do but a lot don't. It's really on you to know the rules unfortunately.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to do it right after I finish reading these responses.

Good luck! Have your employment history ready, they'll ask for details about your last few jobs.

That's good to know. I was worried I might get less money because I waited.

Yeah your weekly benefit amount is based on your wages, not when you file.

Wish I had known this 3 months ago!

This should be pinned at the top of this forum. So many people make this mistake.

I might try that if I run into issues with my application. Thanks for confirming it works.

How much does it cost?

Check their website for details. For me it was worth it to avoid sitting on hold for hours.

Yeah I've been looking the whole time, just hadn't filed for benefits. Good to know I need to document it though.

Yep, keep records of your job search activities. They can audit you at any time.

Awesome! Now make sure you file your weekly claims every week once you get approved.

Great job! You should get a determination letter in a few days letting you know if you're approved.

Congrats on getting it done! I need to stop procrastinating and file mine too.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I've been pretty hard on myself about waiting so long.

We all make mistakes. The important thing is you're taking action now.

This thread has been super helpful. Thanks everyone for the advice and reality check.

Hope this helps other people avoid the same mistake. File early, file often!