How long before you can collect unemployment benefits in Washington - timing question
I just got laid off from my warehouse job yesterday and I'm trying to figure out the timing for filing my unemployment claim. I've heard different things about waiting periods and when you actually start getting paid. How long before you can collect unemployment after losing your job? Do I need to wait a certain number of days before I can even apply, or should I file right away? I'm really stressed about making rent next month.
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Dylan Campbell
You should file your claim immediately - don't wait! Washington ESD has a one-week waiting period before benefits start, but that waiting period only begins after you file your claim. The sooner you file, the sooner that waiting period clock starts ticking.
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StarStrider
•So I can file today even though I just lost my job yesterday? I thought there might be some kind of cooling off period.
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Dylan Campbell
•Yes, file today! There's no cooling off period. The key is getting your claim in the system ASAP so the waiting week starts counting.
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Sofia Torres
Just to clarify the timing - you file your initial claim, then there's a one-week waiting period where you don't get paid. After that waiting week, you start receiving benefits for subsequent weeks as long as you keep filing your weekly claims on time.
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Dmitry Sokolov
•Wait, so if I file today, when would my first actual payment come? I'm trying to figure out my budget.
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Sofia Torres
•If you file today and get approved quickly, you'd probably see your first payment in about 2-3 weeks. One week waiting period plus processing time.
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Ava Martinez
I had such a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD when I filed last year. Spent literally hours on hold every day for weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr that calls them for you - saved me so much time and stress. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.
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Miguel Ramos
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.
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Ava Martinez
•It's worth checking their site for current info. For me, the time saved was huge - I couldn't afford to keep missing work calls while sitting on hold with Washington ESD all day.
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StarStrider
Update: I went ahead and filed online this morning. The process was actually pretty straightforward, though I'm worried about some of the questions they asked about why I was laid off. Hope I answered everything correctly.
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Dylan Campbell
•Good job filing quickly! Don't stress too much about the questions - if Washington ESD needs clarification they'll contact you. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims.
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QuantumQuasar
•What kind of questions did they ask? I might be in the same situation soon and want to be prepared.
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Zainab Omar
The waiting week is so stupid honestly. Like we're not already stressed enough about money when we lose our jobs, now we have to wait an extra week for no reason.
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Connor Gallagher
•I think it's supposed to prevent fraud or something? But yeah it definitely makes things harder when you're already in a tough spot financially.
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Zainab Omar
•Whatever the reason, it sucks when you're counting every dollar.
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Yara Sayegh
Just wanted to add - make sure you meet the base period requirements too. You need to have worked enough in the past year to qualify. Most people do but it's worth checking.
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StarStrider
•I worked full time for the past 18 months so I should be good there. Thanks for mentioning it though.
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Keisha Johnson
•Yeah the base period thing caught my cousin off guard. She thought she qualified but hadn't worked quite enough hours.
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Paolo Longo
Don't forget about the job search requirements once you start collecting! You'll need to document your job search activities each week.
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StarStrider
•How many jobs do I need to apply to each week? I want to make sure I stay compliant.
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Paolo Longo
•I believe it's 3 job search activities per week, but check the Washington ESD website for the current requirements. They're pretty specific about what counts as a valid job search activity.
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CosmicCowboy
The whole system is such a pain. I filed three weeks ago and my claim is still pending in adjudication. Can't get through to anyone to find out what's holding it up.
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Ava Martinez
•That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr when I had issues. They were able to get through to someone at Washington ESD to check on my claim status when I couldn't.
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CosmicCowboy
•Might have to look into that. This waiting is killing me financially.
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Amina Diallo
Pro tip: set up direct deposit when you file. Paper checks take way longer and can get lost in the mail. Direct deposit is much faster and more reliable.
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StarStrider
•Good call, I made sure to set that up when I filed this morning.
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Oliver Schulz
•Yes! And make sure your bank info is correct. I had to wait an extra week because I accidentally put in my old account number.
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Natasha Orlova
Something to keep in mind - even after the waiting week, it can take a few extra days for the money to actually hit your account. So plan accordingly.
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Javier Cruz
•How many extra days are we talking? Trying to plan when I can actually pay my bills.
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Natasha Orlova
•In my experience, usually 2-3 business days after Washington ESD processes the payment. So factor that in when you're budgeting.
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Emma Wilson
I'm in a similar boat - got let go from my retail job last week. Already filed but the waiting is stressful. At least unemployment is better than nothing though.
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StarStrider
•Yeah, I'm grateful the program exists even with all the hoops to jump through. Hope your claim gets processed quickly!
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Malik Thomas
•Same here, filed last week too. This whole thread has been really helpful for understanding the timeline.
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NeonNebula
One more thing - keep records of everything. Save confirmation numbers, print out your weekly claim confirmations, keep track of your job search activities. If anything goes wrong, you'll want that documentation.
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StarStrider
•Great advice, I'll start a folder right now with all my unemployment paperwork.
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Isabella Costa
•This saved me when they said I missed a weekly filing. I had proof I submitted it and they were able to fix the issue.
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