How long do I have to file for unemployment - Washington ESD deadline question

You need to file as soon as possible! Washington ESD doesn't have a strict deadline like some other benefits, but your claim only starts from the week you actually file, not from when you lost your job. So you're already losing two weeks of potential benefits by waiting.

Don't panic though! You can still file and get benefits going forward. I waited almost a month before filing and still got approved, just lost out on those first few weeks.

I had a similar situation last year and ended up using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD quickly. The phone lines are always jammed and it was taking forever to get answers about my claim timing. They have this service at claimyr.com that calls ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

Wait I thought there was some kind of time limit? Like you had to file within 30 days or something? I've been putting off filing too because I wasn't sure about the rules.

just file already!! every day you wait is money lost. the system is annoying but its not that hard once you start

One important thing to remember - even though there's no deadline to file, you do need to meet the work history requirements. You need to have worked in at least two quarters during your base period and earned a minimum amount. If you just started that warehouse job recently, you might not qualify yet.

The real deadline is your sanity lol. I waited 3 weeks and spent the whole time stressed about money. Should have just filed right away instead of overthinking it.

I think there might be some confusion here. While you can file anytime, don't you need to file within a certain period to get the maximum benefit duration? I thought I read that somewhere on the Washington ESD website.

Whatever you do, don't wait any longer! I made the mistake of waiting almost 6 weeks thinking I'd find another job quickly. Lost out on over $2000 in benefits that I could have really used.

If you're worried about getting help with the application process, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier is really helpful for getting through to ESD agents who can walk you through anything confusing. Much better than trying to navigate their automated phone system.

I'm a former ESD employee and can confirm there's no filing deadline for regular UI benefits. Your benefit year starts when you file though, so earlier is always better. The only deadlines are for things like appeals (30 days) or responding to eligibility questionnaires.

Pro tip: file online late at night or early morning when the system is less busy. I tried during the day and it kept timing out on me.

Just want to add that even though you can file anytime, some people run into issues if they wait too long because they forget important details about their job separation. File while everything is still fresh in your memory.

I was in the same boat last month - kept putting it off because I thought the process would be horrible. Turns out it wasn't that bad at all, just took about 30 minutes online. Wish I hadn't waited so long!

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you have your Social Security card and ID ready. I had to stop in the middle because I couldn't find my documents.

Actually, speaking of getting help with the process, I should mention that when I used Claimyr, they were super helpful with questions about timing and deadlines too. The agents they connect you with can clarify any confusion about when things need to be filed.

The bottom line is just file NOW. Every day you wait is benefits you can't get back. I learned this the hard way and don't want others to make the same mistake.

Update us after you file! I'm curious how it goes since I might need to file soon too if my hours don't pick back up.

This thread convinced me to finally file too. I've been putting it off for over a week. Thanks everyone for the encouragement!