How long after getting fired can you file for unemployment in Washington state?

Thanks! I wasn't sure if I needed to wait or something. Going to file today then.

yeah definitely file right away, I waited like 2 weeks when I got laid off and basically lost out on those benefits

Wait, what's adjudication? I keep seeing this term but don't understand what it means.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD reviews your case to determine if you're eligible for benefits. They'll contact you and your employer to get details about why you were terminated.

Oh ok that makes sense. How long does that usually take?

Never heard of that service. Is it legit or just another scam?

It's totally legit, I was skeptical too at first. They just help you get through the phone queue to talk to real Washington ESD staff. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

Might check that out if I run into issues. Right now just trying to get my initial claim filed.

That sounds really frustrating, but not everyone has that experience. Many people who were fired do get approved for benefits if the termination wasn't for misconduct.

EASY FOR YOU TO SAY! Wait until you're dealing with their adjudication department for months with no income.

Yeah it was just performance related, no misconduct or anything like that. Hopefully that works in my favor.

Exactly right. Poor performance typically doesn't disqualify you from unemployment benefits, but willful misconduct does.

Good tip, I'll gather all that info before I start the application. Do I need my W2 or anything like that?

You don't need your W2 to file, but have your last few pay stubs handy. Washington ESD gets wage info from employers directly.

You should still file! Let Washington ESD make the determination about your eligibility. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised and get approved.

You're right, I need to just do it. Been putting it off all week but my bills aren't going to wait.

Same boat here! Let's both file today and see what happens.

Oh I didn't know that! So even if they haven't approved me yet I still need to file weekly?

Yes! If you don't file your weekly claims you can't get paid for those weeks later, even if you get approved. It's called maintaining your claim.

You need to be able and available for work to receive benefits, which includes actively searching. But you don't have to complete job search activities during your waiting week.

That makes sense. Better to get started on applications sooner rather than later anyway.

Second person to mention that service. Definitely keeping it in mind if I need to call them.

How much does something like that cost though? Money's tight right now obviously.

It's worth it if you actually need to talk to someone. Way less frustrating than calling over and over for hours.

Good point, I should look into that. Never had to apply for anything like that before.

6 weeks?! Oh no, I can't wait that long for a decision. I need to know if I should be looking for any job or holding out for something better.

That's on the longer side, some people get decisions much faster. But definitely keep looking for work regardless - that's required anyway.

Employers can contest claims, but they need to provide documentation to support their position. If you weren't fired for misconduct, they don't have much to contest.

That's reassuring. It really was just performance issues, nothing I did wrong intentionally.

3 weeks isn't too bad. I was worried it might take months to see any money.

That was for straightforward cases with no adjudication issues. If they have to investigate it can take longer.

What kind of questions do they ask in those interviews?

They'll ask about the circumstances leading to your termination, any warnings you received, company policies, stuff like that. Just be factual and don't speculate.

How long do you have to file an appeal if needed?

30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait until the last minute though.

Alright I'm convinced, bookmarking that site just in case. Hopefully won't need it but good to know it exists.

Same here, the phone system is impossible otherwise. Spent like 4 hours one day just trying to get through.

Will do! Filing today and hopefully it goes smoothly. Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement.