How long after I lose my job can I apply for unemployment - Washington ESD timing question

Oh that's good to know! So I can file today then? I was worried I had to wait until next week or something.

Yeah definitely file ASAP. I made the mistake of waiting two weeks thinking I needed to see if I could find another job first. Those two weeks were basically lost time.

What kind of details do they want about why I lost the job? It was a layoff due to slow business, nothing I did wrong.

That's perfect - layoffs due to lack of work are straightforward. Just be honest and specific about it being a layoff, not a quit or firing. Keep any paperwork your employer gave you about the layoff.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.

That actually sounds helpful. I've literally been calling for three days straight with no luck. How does it work exactly?

You just give them your info and they handle all the calling and waiting on hold. When they get an agent on the line, they conference you in. Way better than spending your whole day hitting redial.

What kind of complications did you run into? Now I'm worried about messing something up.

They had to do some kind of backdating process and it took an extra 3 weeks to get everything sorted out. Just file online at esd.wa.gov as soon as you can.

That's mostly correct, though Washington ESD can backdate claims up to one year in certain situations. But you're right that it's much simpler to just file right away.

I applied 3 months after I lost my job and they still approved it, just couldn't get any payments for those first 3 months obviously.

Good tip! When do you typically file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day of the week that's better?

You can file them Sunday through Saturday for the previous week. I usually do mine on Sunday mornings when the system is less busy.

You can still apply, but you'll need to report that vacation payout when you do your weekly claims. It might affect your benefit amount for those weeks, but it won't prevent you from filing the initial claim.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if I should wait until after I get that final payment or not.

You're required to be actively seeking work each week you claim benefits. There's no grace period for job search activities. You'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Guess I need to start applying right away then.

The job search requirement isn't that bad honestly. You can count things like updating your resume, attending job fairs, or even networking events. It doesn't have to be just applications.

18 months? Wow, I didn't realize they wanted that much history. Good thing I keep my old pay stubs.

Yeah, they use that info to calculate your benefit amount based on your earnings during your base period. Having accurate information upfront prevents delays later.

That's horrible! Did you end up winning the appeal? I'm always worried about employers lying about why they let people go.

Yeah I won, but it took almost 2 months total. The important thing was I had documentation showing it was a layoff, not misconduct. Always keep your termination paperwork!

Perfect, sounds like the consensus is to apply right away. I'm going to do it tonight after I get home.

Smart choice. The application itself isn't too bad, just takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

I don't think I'm getting severance, just my final regular paycheck. But good to know for the future.

Yeah severance can be tricky. I got a lump sum and they made me wait like 6 weeks before benefits started because they calculated it as if I was still employed for that period.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. Definitely applying tonight.

Good luck! And remember to file your weekly claims every week once you get started, even if your initial claim is still processing.

Will do! I've screenshot all this advice so I don't forget anything.

I've been seeing more people mention Claimyr lately. Is it worth it if you're not having any major issues with your claim?

I'd say it's most useful when you actually need to talk to someone and can't get through on your own. For routine stuff, the website usually works fine.

That's reassuring coming from someone in HR. I was worried there might be some unwritten rule about waiting or something.

Nope, no unwritten rules. The system is set up for immediate applications. We actually encourage it because it helps our former employees get benefits faster.

Good point. I have a laptop at home so that should work fine. Thanks for thinking of that!

Yeah I tried doing my weekly claims on my phone for a while and it was a pain. Much easier on a computer.

Also libraries usually have computers you can use if you don't have reliable internet at home. Most librarians are pretty helpful with navigating government websites too if you get stuck.