How long can you apply for unemployment after being laid off in Washington

You should be fine! In Washington, you can typically apply for unemployment benefits up to one year from when you became unemployed. However, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you won't get benefits for any weeks you don't file. The sooner you apply, the better since you can't get retroactive payments for weeks you didn't claim.

The one year timeframe is correct, but don't wait any longer. You need to file your initial claim as soon as possible because Washington ESD only pays benefits from the week you file your claim forward. You can't get paid for the 6 weeks you've already been unemployed if you didn't file during those weeks. Also, you'll need to meet the job search requirements - 3 job contacts per week typically.

I had a similar situation last year when I was laid off from my retail job. Took me about a month to apply because I thought I'd find something quickly. The Washington ESD website has all the info about deadlines, but yeah, you basically lose any weeks you don't file for. I used a service called Claimyr to help me get through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions about my application - they have this system that calls for you and connects you when an agent is available. Check out claimyr.com if you run into issues getting through on the phone.

file ASAP!!! washington esd is already slow enough with processing claims, don't make it worse by waiting longer. also make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation, etc.

Just to clarify the timeline - you can establish a claim up to one year after your separation date, but benefits are only paid for weeks you actually file. So if you file today, your first payable week would be this week (after the waiting week). The 6 weeks you've been unemployed without filing are just lost unfortunately.

When you do file, make sure you're honest about your separation reason. If you were laid off due to lack of work, that should be straightforward. But if there were any disciplinary issues or if you quit, that could affect your eligibility. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify the separation details.

Pro tip: when you file your weekly claims, do it on the same day each week. I always did mine on Sunday mornings. Also keep track of your job search activities because they might audit you and ask for proof of your job contacts.

I'm going through the same thing right now! Got laid off 4 weeks ago and just filed last week. Kicking myself for not doing it sooner but at least we're both getting started now. The online application wasn't too bad, just took about 30 minutes.

Just a heads up - if you have any complications with your claim (like if Washington ESD needs additional info or if your employer contests it), the process can take longer. Some people get stuck in adjudication for weeks. That's when services like Claimyr become really helpful for actually getting through to talk to someone about your case status.

Don't forget that you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirement. You can do that online at worksourcewa.com. It's required for receiving benefits unless you're on standby status.

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator where you can estimate how much you'll receive based on your past wages. Might be worth checking out to get an idea of what to expect.

Good luck with your application! The sooner you get it filed, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. Even though you missed those first 6 weeks, don't let that discourage you from filing now.

One more thing - make sure you file your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed. You need to maintain those weekly filings to be eligible for benefits once your claim is approved.

The system can be confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it. The main thing is you're starting now rather than waiting even longer. Six weeks isn't ideal but it's not the end of the world either.