How long can I file unemployment benefits in Washington - time limits?

So I haven't lost anything by waiting 6 weeks? That's a relief. I was worried they'd deny me for not filing right away.

You haven't lost eligibility but you did lose 6 weeks of potential benefits. Washington ESD doesn't pay retroactively to your separation date, only from when you file your claim.

What happens after the 52 weeks are up? Can you file a new claim?

Yes, you can file a new claim after your benefit year ends if you've worked enough and earned enough wages since your last claim. Washington ESD will determine if you qualify for a new claim based on your recent work history.

Never heard of Claimyr before. How does it work exactly?

It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You go to claimyr.com and they handle the calling and waiting for you. Saved me hours of trying to get through on my own.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

18 months? I thought it was just the most recent employer. Do I need info from every job?

Washington ESD looks at your earnings over the past 5 quarters to determine your benefit amount. Having complete employment history helps ensure you get the maximum benefit you're entitled to.

I know it's frustrating but the rules are actually pretty straightforward once you understand them. The key is to file as soon as you can and then keep up with your weekly claims.

easier said than done when you cant even get through to talk to someone at Washington ESD

Wait, I thought the deadline was Sunday? I've been filing mine on Sunday afternoons.

The system is available until Saturday at 6 PM for the weekly claim, but you can file late claims. Just don't make it a habit because they might question why you're filing late.

Actually, you can file your weekly claim from Sunday morning through the following Saturday. The key is filing for each week you want benefits.

Ouch, that's expensive lesson. I'm definitely filing this week.

Same thing happened to my brother. He thought he'd find work quickly and waited too long. The money you lose by waiting adds up fast.

3 per week seems like a lot. What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, even some training programs. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list of approved activities.

They never told me about keeping records when I filed. How detailed do the records need to be?

You're right, I've been overthinking this. Going to file tomorrow morning.

Good plan. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start getting benefits. Just make sure you have all your employment information ready.

How long did it take them to get you connected?

They called me back within a few hours and had me connected to an Washington ESD agent. Way better than spending all day redialing the main number.

So if I file now, I'd have benefits available until next year at this time?

Exactly. Your benefit year would run for 52 weeks from your filing date. You can claim up to 26 weeks of benefits during that time, assuming you remain eligible.

What happens if you find work and then lose it again within that same benefit year?

The website actually has pretty good information if you can find what you're looking for. The search function isn't great though.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - got tired of the busy signals and disconnects. Worth it just for the peace of mind of talking to an actual person.

So I file the initial claim once, then weekly claims every week after that?

Right. Initial claim once to start your benefit year, then weekly claims for each week you're unemployed and want benefits. Don't skip weeks unless you don't want benefits for that week.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm convinced - filing my claim first thing tomorrow morning.

Good luck! The process is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Just keep up with your weekly claims and job searches.