How long can you wait before applying for unemployment in Washington - missed deadline concerns

Oh thank god, I was so worried I completely screwed myself over. So I can still file now but I just won't get paid for those 6 weeks?

Exactly right. File as soon as possible though because your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on wages from your base period, which could change depending on when you file.

Actually that's not correct - benefits are only paid from the week you file your initial claim, not retroactively to separation. The one-year rule is just about eligibility to file.

You're right, I misspoke. Benefits start the week you file, not when you were laid off. Thanks for the correction.

Did you have any issues with the application since you waited so long? I'm worried they'll ask why I didn't file sooner.

Nope, they don't really care why you waited. They just process your claim based on when you file it. The online application asks for your last day of work but that's just for their records.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They somehow get you connected to an actual person instead of the endless phone tree.

What are the job search requirements? I've been looking for work already but not keeping detailed records.

You need to complete 3 job search activities per week and keep records in your WorkSourceWA account. Applications, networking, job fairs all count.

Actually I think it's different depending on your situation. Some people only need to do 2 activities per week.

That makes sense. So basically I'm losing out on 6 weeks of potential benefits but I can still file now for going forward?

Correct. And depending on your wages, you might still have plenty of benefit weeks available even starting now.

I guess I was embarrassed and thought I'd find something quickly. Also wasn't sure if I qualified since I'd only been at the job for 8 months.

8 months should be fine for qualifying as long as you earned enough wages. The base period looks at your earnings over 4 quarters.

Oh no, I didn't think about that. I have my termination paperwork though that shows I was laid off due to reduced business.

Having the paperwork should be fine. Plenty of people wait to file for various reasons and it doesn't automatically disqualify you.

That's reassuring to hear. I've just been beating myself up thinking I ruined everything.

Nah you're fine. Life happens and they understand that. Just get your application in soon.

What should I say if they ask? Just be honest that I thought I'd find work quickly?

Yeah honesty is the best policy. Lots of people try to find work on their own first before filing for benefits.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like you'd pay a lot just to make a phone call.

It's worth it when you actually need to reach someone. Way better than the endless busy signals and disconnected calls I was getting before.

Good idea, I'll look for that. Do you remember what it's called?

I think it's called the benefit calculator or something like that. Should be on the main Washington ESD unemployment page.

You're right, I'm definitely overthinking this. Going to file tonight.

Good luck! The online application is pretty straightforward, just have your employer info and Social Security card ready.

Suspicious how? Like they think you're trying to game the system somehow?

Not necessarily, but they might wonder if you were actually available for work during those weeks you didn't file. It's just better to file sooner rather than later.

Exactly, every state is different. In Washington it's pretty clear - benefits start the week you file your initial claim.

Thanks for clarifying that. I was getting mixed information from friends in other states.

No it was definitely a layoff. The whole department got eliminated due to budget cuts. I have the paperwork showing reduction in force.

Okay good, that should be fine then. RIF layoffs are usually pretty straightforward for unemployment approval.

Definitely filing tonight. Thanks everyone for the advice and reassurance!

Good luck! Come back and update us on how it goes.

That's encouraging. I've got all my paperwork organized so hopefully it goes smoothly.

Sounds like you're prepared. The online system will walk you through everything step by step.

I keep seeing people mention that service. Might be worth trying if you run into any issues with your claim.

Good to know there's a backup option if I can't get through the regular way. Thanks!

Yeah I've been reading about that. Seems like you have to log everything in WorkSourceWA?

Yep, they check that stuff during audits so make sure you're keeping good records of your job search activities.