How long after being terminated can you file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thanks! I wasn't sure if I needed to wait until I got my last paycheck or something.

yeah file right away, they'll ask about your final pay when you do your weekly claims

Perfect, I have all that information. Should I gather anything else before I start the application?

Have your previous employer's contact information ready and know the reason for separation. Since you were terminated, be prepared to explain the circumstances accurately.

Oh wow, I'm glad I asked then. Did you have any trouble with your claim since you waited?

Not really, but I definitely lost those two weeks of payments. The effective date is when you file, not when you lost your job.

Actually that's not entirely correct - your claim can be backdated in some circumstances, but it's always better to file right away to avoid complications.

Thanks for the heads up about potential adjudication. The termination was due to layoffs not performance, so hopefully that won't be an issue.

Even with layoffs sometimes employers contest claims if they're trying to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes. It's frustrating but it happens.

That's reassuring! I was worried it would be super complicated.

The initial application is pretty straightforward. It's the weekly claims and job search requirements that get more detailed.

Good point. Where do I keep track of the job search activities?

You can use the job search log on WorkSourceWA.com or keep your own records. Just make sure you have dates, company names, and contact method documented.

And remember the job search requirement starts with your first payable week, not immediately when you file your initial claim.

Yikes, that sounds awful. Hopefully mine goes more smoothly since it was just a layoff.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you can't get through on the phone, it's a lifesaver for getting connected to actual agents.

That's good to hear. I'll file today and hope for the best.

Yeah, my claim went through fine once I actually filed it. The delay was entirely my own fault for waiting.

I don't think I'm getting any severance, but I'll make sure to report everything accurately when I file my weekly claims.

Exactly right. Report all earnings honestly - they'll find out anyway and it's better to be upfront from the start.

Is that different from the regular ESD account? I'm seeing references to both.

SecureAccess Washington (SAW) is the login system for all state services including ESD. You'll create it during the application process if you don't already have one.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's definitely a tough situation but good to know there's support available.

Absolutely. Don't feel guilty about using benefits you paid for. That's what the system is there for.

Smart advice. I'll make sure to document everything as I go through the process.

Also print or save copies of your weekly claim confirmations. The system sometimes has glitches and having proof of submission is valuable.

That makes sense. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Exactly my experience too. The embarrassment isn't worth losing potential benefits over.

I'll keep that in mind if I run into problems. Hopefully the initial filing goes smoothly online.

The online filing usually works fine. It's when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation that the phone problems start.

Will do. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I'm going to file my claim right now.

Good luck! Most people's claims go through without major issues, especially for straightforward layoffs. You've got this.

Yeah, I panicked when my first payment was zero but it turned out to be normal processing. Second week went through fine.

There's also a one-week waiting period for new claims in Washington, so your first payable week is actually your second week of filing.

Hopefully that won't be an issue, but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks again everyone!

Even if they do contest it, you can still collect benefits while the adjudication is pending in most cases. Don't let employer pushback discourage you from filing.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like we're both in the same boat.

Glad this discussion helped multiple people. That's what these forums are for!

Well said. It's a safety net we all pay into for exactly these circumstances.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. This community is amazing!

Will do! I'll post an update once I get through the initial process.

Yeah, would love to hear how smooth it goes for a straightforward layoff case.