How long can you wait before filing unemployment in Washington - missed the deadline?

Oh no, so I lost 5 weeks worth of money? That's probably like $2000+ I could have gotten. I feel so stupid for waiting.

Don't beat yourself up about it. A lot of people don't realize this rule. The important thing is to file now so you can start getting benefits going forward. You'll still be eligible for the remaining weeks of your benefit year.

How much did you end up losing by waiting? Just trying to figure out what I'm looking at here.

I was getting $547 a week, so I lost about 7 weeks worth which was around $3800. Painful lesson but at least I got benefits for the remaining months while job searching.

Thanks, I'll start the application tonight. Do I need anything else besides my employer info?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and bank account info for direct deposit. Also have your last day of work date ready and your gross wages from your last job.

What kind of questions did you need to ask them? I'm hoping the online application is straightforward enough that I won't need to call.

I needed clarification on how my severance pay would affect my benefit start date. The online system flagged it and put my claim in adjudication. Claimyr helped me reach someone who explained that severance can delay when benefits start, which wasn't clear from the website.

Exactly right. You can file up to a year later but only get one week backdated. It's frustrating but better than nothing if you're still unemployed or underemployed.

ugh shouldve filed right away. live and learn i guess

There are some exceptions for good cause delays, but they're pretty limited. Things like serious illness, natural disasters, or being given wrong information by ESD staff. Just thinking you'd find work quickly isn't considered good cause unfortunately.

I tried to argue good cause when I waited 8 weeks and they denied it. Said I should have known to file immediately regardless of job search prospects. Pretty harsh if you ask me.

So even if I file today, I won't get paid for this first week? That's another week lost on top of the 5 I already missed?

Right, the waiting week is separate from the backdate issue. Everyone has to serve a waiting week when they first file. So you'll file weekly claims but the first one won't be paid.

Good question! The one week backdate is from the Sunday of the week you file your initial claim. So if OP files this week, they could potentially get benefits for last week only. The other 5 weeks are lost.

This is why it's so important to file immediately after job loss. I tell everyone I know - file first, ask questions later. You can always withdraw the claim if you find work right away.

You can still file for partial unemployment benefits if your part-time work doesn't exceed your weekly benefit amount. The backdate rule still applies though - only one week maximum regardless of your work situation.

I did pick up a few gig economy jobs here and there but nothing consistent. Will that complicate my application?

Just be honest about all work and earnings when you file your weekly claims. Gig work needs to be reported but it might not disqualify you from benefits depending on how much you earned.

Good idea, I'll check that out. Do you remember what information you need for the calculator?

You need your gross wages from your highest earning quarter in your base period. The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

I've been applying to jobs but haven't been tracking everything systematically. What counts as a job search activity?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even some online career development courses can count. Just make sure you can document them with employer names, dates, and contact info.

Adjudication is when ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits. Common triggers include being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or having severance pay. It can delay benefits for several weeks.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, no performance issues. Should be straightforward hopefully.

How much did that cost? I'm already strapped for cash and can't afford expensive services right now.

I don't want to get into pricing here, but for me it was worth it compared to the weeks of benefits I was losing while waiting. Check their website for current pricing.

You're right, I need to stop procrastinating. Going to start the application as soon as I get home from my job interview today.

Good luck with the interview! Even if it goes well, keep the unemployment application going since there's usually a delay between interview and job offer.

When do the weekly claims need to be filed? Is there a specific day of the week?

You can file weekly claims Sunday through Saturday for the previous week, but most people do it Sunday morning. Just don't wait until the last minute in case there are website issues.

Ugh, that makes me feel sick thinking about the money I've lost. But you're right, lesson learned for sure.

Same here, waited thinking it would look bad on my record or something. Turns out there's no shame in filing for unemployment when you're legitimately unemployed through no fault of your own.

This should be pinned at the top of every unemployment forum. So many people make this same mistake.

Definitely wish I had seen advice like this 6 weeks ago. Going to share this with my friends who might face layoffs at their companies.

Haven't filed yet but planning to do it tonight after work. Hopefully the website cooperates! I'll update this thread once I get through the process.

If you do have trouble with the website or need to speak with someone, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned earlier. Sometimes the online system glitches and you need human help to sort things out.