How long after job loss can you file for unemployment - Washington ESD timing rules?

Oh thank god, I was worried I missed some cutoff date. So I should file this week then?

Absolutely, file today if you can. Go to esd.wa.gov and start your initial application. You'll need your last employer's info and your social security number.

A whole month? That must have been expensive...

Cost me about $1200 in benefits I could have gotten. Don't make my mistake!

How long did your claim take to get approved after you filed?

Took about 2 weeks for me, but that was before they had all the COVID backlog issues. Should be faster now.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I used claimyr.com recently and it was super helpful. They have this system that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Every state has different rules. In Washington, there's no filing deadline after job loss. You just lose the weeks you don't file for.

Good to know! I always get confused about which rules apply where.

Is it really that bad? Should I try filing online or calling?

Online is usually better than calling. The website can be slow but it's more reliable than the phone lines.

If you do need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. They basically redial for you until they get through, then connect you to the rep. Saved me hours of frustration.

You'll need your employer's business name, address, and phone number. Your last paystub should have most of that info. Also helpful to have your start and end dates of employment.

If you have any paperwork from when you were laid off (like a termination letter or WARN notice), that can be helpful too but not required.

Good to know. Why would they deny a claim if you got laid off though?

Sometimes there are issues with how the employer reports the separation, or questions about whether you're actively looking for work. Usually gets sorted out but the appeal deadline is strict.

What are the job search requirements? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs per week?

Yeah, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD explains it all when you file your weekly claims.

And you have to register with WorkSource Washington within 30 days of filing your claim, unless you have a definite return-to-work date.

That's reassuring! I was worried about horror stories I heard from a few years ago.

Yeah the system got completely overwhelmed back then. Much more stable now.

Thanks for the tip! I'll file tomorrow (Sunday) evening.

Good thinking. And once you file, you'll need to file your weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Don't forget about that part!

It's based on your earnings in the 'base period' which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So it looks at more than just your last job.

That's actually better for me since I had a higher paying job earlier in the year before taking the one I just lost.

Yeah I had that same mentality at first but bills don't care about pride lol

Exactly! You earned those benefits, don't feel guilty about claiming them.

Is that like a paid service? How much does it cost?

It's worth whatever they charge just for the time savings alone. Check out their demo video to see how it works - way better than sitting on hold for hours.

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

Wait, there's a waiting week? So even if I file right away I won't get paid for the first week?

Correct. Washington has a one-week waiting period. So you file weekly claims but the first week is unpaid. Every week after that gets paid if you're eligible.

That's why it's even more important to file ASAP - you're already losing one week, don't lose more by waiting to file.

Good point. I had 3 different jobs this year so I should gather info for all of them.

Exactly. Washington ESD will want to know about all of them to calculate your benefit amount correctly.

Message received loud and clear! Filing tonight for sure.

This! I don't understand why people overthink it. Just file the claim and let Washington ESD sort out the details.

I think the logic is that you have to actively file to show you're ready and able to work. If you wait weeks to file, how do they know you were actually looking for work during that time?

I guess that makes sense from a policy perspective, but still feels harsh for people who don't know the rules.

That's why forums like this are so helpful! Spreading the word about filing ASAP.

Great job! You should get a confirmation email and then typically hear back within 1-2 weeks about your eligibility.

Don't forget to file your first weekly claim this weekend even if you haven't heard back about approval yet.

And if you need to check on the status or have questions, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned. Much easier than trying to get through to Washington ESD directly.