How long after being laid off can I file for unemployment - Washington ESD timing?

Thanks! So I don't need to wait for any paperwork from my employer? They said they'd mail me something but wasn't sure if I needed that first.

Nope, you can file without waiting for anything from your employer. Washington ESD will contact them directly to verify your employment and wages. You'll need your Social Security number and some basic info about your last employer but that's it.

Wait there's a one week waiting period? So even if I file today I won't get paid for the first week?

Correct - Washington has a one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. You won't receive payment for your first eligible week, but you still need to file your weekly claim for that week. It's basically an unpaid waiting week.

Ugh that sucks but good to know upfront. Heading to the website now to get started.

How much does that cost? Seems sketchy to pay someone to make a phone call for you.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked great. They don't ask for any personal info and just help you get through the phone queue. Worth it when you've been trying to call for weeks with no luck.

Good to know there are options if I can't get through. Hopefully I won't need to call but filing seems pretty straightforward so far.

Oh no! So I need to file weekly claims even before I start getting paid?

Yes, you must file your weekly claims every week to maintain your eligibility, even during the waiting week. Missing weekly claims can cause your claim to become inactive.

exactly what happened to me. learned the hard way that you cant skip any weeks even if youre not getting paid yet

3 job searches per week? That seems like a lot when I just got laid off yesterday. Do I need to start that this week?

The job search requirements typically start after your first week of filing, but check your specific claim requirements. Some people are exempt depending on their layoff situation, but most need to actively search and document their efforts.

What specifically are you having trouble with? The main things are filing your initial claim, then filing weekly claims every week, and meeting job search requirements.

All the different statuses and what they mean. Like mine says 'processing' but I don't know if that's good or bad or how long it takes.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - I had similar confusion about my claim status and needed to talk to someone who could explain what was happening with my specific case.

File immediately regardless. If your employer contests your claim, you'll have a chance to respond and provide your side of the story. Waiting doesn't help you - it just delays potential benefits.

But what if they say I was fired for cause? I'm pretty sure it was just layoffs but I'm nervous.

If it was truly a layoff due to lack of work, you should be eligible for benefits. If your employer claims misconduct, Washington ESD will investigate and you can appeal if needed. But don't delay filing based on what-ifs.

Good advice about screenshots. Should I print everything out too or are digital copies enough?

Digital is fine but having backups never hurts. The main thing is being able to prove you filed on time and submitted your weekly claims. Save emails, confirmation numbers, and take photos of important documents.

There's no absolute deadline, but benefits are only paid from the date you file your claim forward. So waiting a month means losing a month of potential benefits. File as soon as possible to maximize your benefit period.

Oh wow, so I can't get backpay for the time before I filed? That's a expensive mistake if you wait too long.

Exactly right. Your benefit year starts when you file, not when you became unemployed. This is why everyone is telling you to file immediately - every day you wait is money you can't get back.

Ugh I didn't even think about taxes. Can I have them take taxes out automatically?

yes when you file your claim you can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes. state of washington doesnt have income tax so you dont worry about that part

Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely convinced me to file today rather than waiting.

Good! And remember to file your weekly claims every week even if you're not sure about something. You can always get clarification later but missing a week can really mess things up.

I think I have most of my pay stubs but might be missing a few from early last year. Will that be a problem?

They can get wage information from employers, but having your own records helps verify everything is accurate. Don't let missing pay stubs delay your filing - just provide what you have.

How long did it take them to get you through to someone?

They called me back within a few hours and had me connected to a Washington ESD rep pretty quickly. Way better than spending hours on hold trying to get through myself.

I feel you. The system definitely isn't user-friendly. But once you get through the initial setup it gets easier. The weekly claims become routine after a few weeks.

I hope so. Right now it feels overwhelming trying to figure out all the requirements and deadlines.

Take it one step at a time. File your initial claim first, then worry about the weekly claims and job search requirements. Don't try to understand everything at once.

What kind of snags should I watch out for?

Mostly technical issues with the website, delays in processing, or confusion about requirements. Sometimes your claim goes into adjudication if there are questions about your eligibility. Just stay patient and keep following up.

That's another time when Claimyr was helpful for me - when my claim went into adjudication and I couldn't get anyone to explain what was happening or how long it would take.

You can file your claim online 24/7 at esd.wa.gov. The website is available around the clock, which is really convenient. No need to wait for business hours.

Perfect, thanks! I was worried I'd have to take time off my job search to file during the day.

Great job getting it filed! Remember to file your first weekly claim this weekend even though you won't get paid for it due to the waiting week. And start that job search log right away.

Glad it went smoothly! If you run into any issues with your claim status or have questions down the road, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned. Sometimes it's worth it to talk to an actual person rather than trying to figure things out on your own.

Congratulations on getting your claim submitted! The hardest part is over. Just stay consistent with your weekly claims and job search activities and you should be all set.