How long can I wait to file unemployment claim in Washington state?

So I've already lost out on two weeks of potential benefits by waiting?

Not necessarily lost, but you'll need to request backdating when you file. Washington ESD evaluates each backdating request individually.

This is exactly right. I waited 3 weeks to file and was able to get backdating approved for 2 of those weeks.

How do you request backdating? Is that something you do when filing the initial claim?

Yes, there's usually an option during the filing process to request an earlier claim start date. You'll need to explain why you delayed filing.

The phone situation is still terrible. I've been trying to call for days about my adjudication status and can't get through.

Have you tried Claimyr? Found out about it at claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but willing to try anything at this point. The hold times are insane.

I get that, I just didn't know if there were any downsides to filing if I might find a job soon.

You can always stop claiming if you find work. Better to have the claim active and not need it than need it and have to wait for processing.

I didn't realize there was a waiting week. So even if I file today I won't see benefits for at least 3 weeks?

Probably closer to 3-4 weeks realistically. Initial claim processing, then waiting week, then payment processing time.

This is why the system is broken. People need help immediately when they lose their jobs, not a month later.

That's reassuring. I was worried they'd think I was trying to game the system somehow.

They're used to people not knowing the rules. The important thing is that you're filing now and being upfront about the timing.

This is exactly my situation - I have a few interviews lined up but nothing guaranteed.

Then definitely file now. You're not committed to anything by filing, you're just protecting yourself in case those don't work out.

Agree 100%. I waited for an interview process to play out and it took 6 weeks, then they hired someone else. Could have been collecting benefits that whole time.

The type of layoff doesn't affect the filing timeline, but it can affect whether your claim gets approved. Layoff due to restructuring is usually straightforward - no fault on your part.

Mine was also company restructuring. They eliminated my entire department.

That should be pretty clear cut then. At least we don't have to worry about the approval part, just the timing.

I should have looked at their website first instead of overthinking it.

Don't beat yourself up about it. The system isn't exactly user-friendly and it's not like they make this information super obvious.

Yeah, I think part of it was not wanting to admit I might be unemployed for a while.

Totally get that. But unemployment benefits are something you've paid into through your taxes. You've earned the right to use them when you need them.

This is such an important point. It's not charity, it's insurance you've been paying for.

They can ask for documentation like your final paycheck stub or termination letter, especially if you're requesting significant backdating.

I have my termination paperwork, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Keep all your employment documentation handy. Washington ESD loves their paperwork.

How does that work exactly? Do they charge for that service?

Yeah there's a fee but honestly worth it when you need answers and can't get through. Saved me probably 10+ hours of calling attempts.

I'm skeptical of paying someone to make phone calls for me, but I get how desperate the calling situation makes you feel.

You're right. I'm going to file as soon as I get home from work searching today.

Good plan. And remember you still need to do job search activities even while collecting benefits, so you can count today's job searching toward those requirements.

Oh right, I forgot about the job search requirements. At least I've been actively looking already.

So I need to file weekly claims even if my initial claim isn't fully approved yet?

Exactly. The weekly claims establish your eligibility for each week. If your initial claim gets approved later, you'll get paid for all the weekly claims you filed.

This is super important. I know someone who missed filing weekly claims and lost out on $2000+ in benefits.

Good luck! Two weeks isn't that bad in the grand scheme of things. The important thing is you're filing now.

Let us know how it goes with the backdating request. Always helpful to hear real experiences.

Will do. Fingers crossed Washington ESD is reasonable about it.

Glad this thread helped you too! It's crazy how many of us are in the same situation - waiting and hoping things will turn around quickly. I think there's definitely a psychological barrier to filing for unemployment, like admitting defeat or something. But everyone here is right that it's just insurance we've paid into. Three weeks is still manageable for backdating from what others have shared. We should both file today and then focus our energy on the job search instead of worrying about whether we should have filed sooner.