How long can you wait to collect unemployment in Washington after job loss?

Wait so I lost out on two months of payments completely? That's like $2400 I can't get back?

Unfortunately yes, you can't get retroactive benefits for weeks before you filed. That's why they always say to file immediately after job loss.

Ugh this is so frustrating. I was trying to be responsible and not take benefits if I didn't need them.

That's admirable but unemployment is insurance you paid into through your paychecks. It's your money.

What counts as good cause? My employer told me I might be called back but that fell through after a month.

That's a gray area. If your employer gave you specific dates or promises in writing about recall, that might be considered. You'd need documentation though.

I tried this route when my employer strung me along for 3 weeks saying they might bring me back. Washington ESD didn't buy it without written proof.

How much did that cost? I'm already behind on bills and can't afford to pay extra fees right now.

It was worth it to actually talk to someone who could give me definitive answers instead of guessing from online forums. Much cheaper than losing more weeks of benefits.

The information is on their website but honestly who reads all that when you're dealing with job loss stress?

Exactly! And their website is confusing as hell anyway. Half the links don't work and the other half lead to PDF files from 2019.

Should I mention in my application that my employer said they might call me back? Or will that hurt my claim?

Be honest about everything. If they said they might recall you but never gave specific dates or guarantees, that shouldn't affect your eligibility.

Yeah there's definitely a stigma around it. I felt like I was taking handouts even though I worked for 8 years straight.

You paid unemployment insurance taxes on every paycheck. This isn't welfare, it's insurance you already paid for.

How strict are they about the job search requirements? I've been applying but haven't been keeping detailed records.

You need 3 job search activities per week and they can audit your job search log at any time. Keep detailed records of every application, contact, and interview.

I got selected for a job search audit after 4 weeks. Had to provide proof of every single application. Good thing I kept screenshots and confirmation emails.

I might pick up some gig work to make ends meet. Do I need to report that too?

Yes, all income including gig work, freelance, anything. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount dollar for dollar after the first $5.

What's a waiting week? Is that different from the processing time?

The first week you file is a 'waiting week' where you meet all requirements but don't get paid. So your first payment comes after your second weekly claim.

Thanks, I really needed to hear that. I'll file today and just accept that I learned an expensive lesson.

Smart move. And tell your friends about the immediate filing rule so they don't make the same mistake.

Is that service legit? Seems too good to be true that they can actually get you through to ESD agents.

Totally legit. They have some kind of system that gets past the busy signals and holds your place in line. Worth every penny when you're dealing with claim issues.

Wish someone had told me that 2 months ago! I'll definitely spread this info to friends who might face layoffs.

This should be posted everywhere. Companies should be required to tell employees this when they lay people off.

Good tip. I still have my W-2 from last year and my final pay stub with all that info.

perfect, that's exactly what you need. should be able to complete the whole application in one sitting

That's exactly my thought process! Always thinking something would come through in the next few days.

I tell everyone now - file immediately and if you get a job offer before your first payment, great! You can always stop claiming. But you can't go backwards and claim weeks you didn't file for.

Makes sense. My situation is just regular job loss with no special circumstances.

Then unfortunately those 8 weeks are gone, but file today so you don't lose any more time.

Typically 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. Week 1 is the waiting week, then week 2 you file your first payable claim, payment comes during week 3.

So I'm looking at about 3 weeks from filing to getting money? That's going to be tight with bills.

Yeah that's normal timing if everything goes smoothly. Longer if your claim needs adjudication for any reason.

6 weeks in adjudication sounds like a nightmare. I hope my claim goes through without issues.

Most claims are pretty straightforward. Mine had complications because I had some 1099 work mixed in with W-2 employment. Just keep your job separation simple and clear when you file.

Thanks everyone for the reality check and advice. Filing right after I post this reply. Expensive lesson learned.

Smart move. And remember to file your weekly claims every week going forward - set a calendar reminder so you don't forget.

Good luck with your job search too! The unemployment will help bridge the gap while you find something good.