How long after laid off can file for unemployment - Washington ESD timing questions

Thank you! So I can file today even though I just got laid off yesterday? I was worried I had to wait for some reason.

Exactly, file as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed and you can start receiving benefits.

Oh no, I'm glad I asked then! I was thinking the same thing about waiting for my final check.

Wait, so you lose money if you don't file right away? How does that work exactly?

You can only backdate your claim one week in most cases, so any delay beyond that means lost benefit weeks you can't recover.

This is confusing - so I file the initial claim AND a weekly claim in the same week?

Yes, the initial claim establishes your benefit amount and eligibility. The weekly claims are what you file every week to actually receive payments for each week you're unemployed.

Three weeks?! That's terrifying. What was the adjudication about?

They had to verify my separation reason with my employer. Pretty standard but the delay was stressful. Claimyr really helped me get through to someone to check on the status.

Never heard of Claimyr before, is it legit? The phone lines are always busy when I try calling Washington ESD.

I understand the frustration, but the system is designed to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to eligible people. The weekly claims help verify you're still unemployed and looking for work.

i guess that makes sense but when youre broke and stressed it just feels like unnecessary hoops to jump through

The Washington ESD website is available 24/7, so you can file anytime including weekends. No need to wait for business hours.

Perfect, thanks! I was worried about missing some deadline.

So even though I won't get paid for the first week, I still have to do the weekly claim filing process?

Exactly. Think of it as establishing the pattern. If you skip filing for the waiting week, it can cause issues with your subsequent weeks.

This seems designed to trip people up. Why have a waiting week at all?

Make sure all your information is accurate and complete, especially your work history and reason for separation. Double-check everything before submitting.

Even with perfect information, sometimes Washington ESD just needs to verify things with your employer. If you do get stuck in adjudication and can't reach anyone by phone, that's when services like Claimyr really come in handy.

The timing for filing is the same regardless of separation reason - file immediately. However, being fired for misconduct can affect your eligibility, which is determined during the claims process.

Good to know, I'll tell her to file right away and let Washington ESD sort out the eligibility part.

No, you can't file until after your last day of work. You need to be actually unemployed to be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Makes sense, just wanted to get ahead of it if possible.

Three days shouldn't be a problem. Washington ESD allows backdating up to one week in most cases, so you should be fine.

Phew, that's a relief. Thanks for the reassurance!

I get the frustration, but once you understand the process it becomes routine. The key is filing immediately and staying on top of your weekly claims.

yeah but why should people have to become experts in unemployment law just to get benefits they paid into???

Good advice! I'm going to create my account today after work.

The website can be glitchy sometimes, especially on Sunday nights when everyone's filing their weekly claims.

Yes, the job search requirements start immediately. You need to be able, available, and actively seeking work from day one of your claim.

Ugh, so even though I won't get paid for the first week, I still have to document job searches?

Correct. The waiting week is unpaid, but all other requirements still apply.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

It's worth checking their website for current pricing, but honestly when you're stuck in adjudication and bills are piling up, getting through to resolve issues quickly is invaluable.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm definitely filing today. Thanks everyone!

Good luck! The process can be stressful but it gets easier once you're in the routine.

Great tip! I'll gather all that before I start the application.

And keep records of everything - screenshots, confirmation numbers, dates. You'll need them if any issues come up later.

Yeah, it's one of those things that makes sense once you understand it but is poorly communicated initially.

Exactly. Better communication would save everyone a lot of stress and confusion.

Perfect summary! Heading to the Washington ESD website now. Really appreciate everyone's help in this thread.

Hope everything works out smoothly for you! These threads are so helpful for people navigating unemployment for the first time.

This is incredibly helpful advice from someone who actually works with these cases! The part about filing establishing your benefit year dates correctly is something I hadn't seen mentioned before. It's reassuring to know there are nonprofits helping people navigate this system - do you have any other common mistakes you see people make that we should be aware of?