How long after losing job can you apply for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

You can still file! There's no specific deadline but you should apply as soon as possible because benefits don't pay retroactively to when you lost your job - they only start from when you file your claim. So those two weeks you waited, you won't get paid for unfortunately.

The general rule is to file within the first week after losing your job if possible. Washington ESD starts counting your benefit year from when you file, not when you were laid off. You have to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits, so the sooner you start the process the better.

I waited almost a month before filing last year because I thought I'd find something quick. Big mistake - lost out on almost $1,200 in benefits. The process takes time too, mine took 3 weeks to get approved so I was really hurting financially by then.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to file your claim or check on status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

TWO WEEKS?? I've been calling Washington ESD for FIVE WEEKS trying to get through about my adjudication issue and can't reach anyone. The phone system is absolutely broken. How are people supposed to get help when the system doesn't work?

Make sure when you file that you have all your employment information ready - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. If you're missing info it can delay your claim processing.

also remember you have to do job searches every week and keep a log. they can audit you and if you dont have proof youre looking for work they'll make you pay back benefits

Actually it's 3 job search activities per week in Washington, and you need to keep detailed records of each one - company name, position applied for, date, and method of contact. You don't submit this with your weekly claim but you must keep records in case of an audit.

I applied 6 months after being laid off and still got benefits, so don't worry too much about the timing. The bigger issue is just that you won't get backpay to your actual layoff date.

One thing I learned - even if you think you might find work soon, file anyway. You can always stop claiming if you get a job, but if you don't file and time passes, those weeks are gone forever.

just file online at esd.wa.gov its pretty straightforward once you get started

Don't forget you'll also need to register with WorkSourceWA as part of the process. It's required for most claimants and helps with the job search requirement tracking.

My cousin waited like 3 months to apply because he was embarrassed about being on unemployment. By the time he filed he was in really bad shape financially. Don't let pride get in the way - you paid into this system through your paychecks.

Still can't believe how broken the phone system is. I finally got through last week using some service a friend recommended - Claimyr or something like that. They actually got me connected to an agent after weeks of trying on my own.

pro tip - file early in the morning on sunday when the system resets for the week, tends to be faster

Just to summarize for OP: File as soon as possible, benefits start from filing date not layoff date, be prepared with employment history, register with WorkSourceWA, and do your weekly claims and job searches. Two weeks isn't too late but don't wait any longer.

i waited 6 weeks because i thought unemployment was only for people who got fired not laid off... learned that was wrong the hard way

The waiting period thing is real though - even after you file it can take 1-2 weeks for your first payment depending on how quickly they process everything. So the sooner you file the sooner that clock starts ticking.

Also if you do any side work or gig work while claiming you have to report that income on your weekly claims. Don't try to hide it because they cross-reference with tax records.

Update on the Claimyr thing - I used them again this week when I had questions about reporting part-time work and it was just as smooth as last time. Really wish I'd known about it months ago when I was spending entire days trying to call ESD.