How long do I have to file for unemployment after being fired - Washington ESD deadline?

You should file as soon as possible! Washington ESD doesn't have a super strict deadline but your benefit year starts from when you file, not when you were terminated. So every day you wait is money you're potentially losing.

i think you have like 30 days or something but dont quote me on that

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov right now if you can. The system walks you through everything and you don't need much paperwork upfront. Just your SSN, employment history, and reason for separation. I tried calling Washington ESD first but gave up after being on hold forever.

Ugh the phone system at Washington ESD is absolutely horrible. I spent DAYS trying to get through to ask questions about my claim. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD in like 20 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The key thing is that Washington ESD processes claims based on when you file, not when you were terminated. So if you were fired Monday and file Friday, your benefit year starts Friday. You can't go back and claim benefits for Mon-Thursday. File as soon as you have the basic info ready.

i waited like 2 months to file after getting laid off because i thought i might find work quickly... stupid mistake, lost so much money

Make sure you select the right reason for separation when you file. If you were fired 'for cause' vs laid off, it affects your claim. Washington ESD will investigate either way but being honest upfront helps avoid delays in adjudication.

The Washington ESD website has all this info but honestly it's confusing. The main thing is just get your claim filed ASAP. Even if there are issues with eligibility, at least you have your place in line and the benefit year starts.

File today if possible! I learned this the hard way. Also start keeping track of your job search activities right away even though you don't have to report them for the first few weeks. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week once that kicks in.

Also be prepared for your claim to go into adjudication if there's anything complicated about your termination. Mine sat in 'adjudication in progress' for almost a month while they investigated.

If you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works. I used it last month when my claim got stuck and I needed to talk to someone. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - file immediately! Don't overthink it. The online application at secure.esd.wa.gov is pretty straightforward and you can always correct info later if needed.

One more tip - if your employer contests your claim (which they might if you were fired), don't panic. Washington ESD will do an investigation and you'll get a chance to tell your side. Just be honest and provide any documentation you have.

The system is definitely not perfect but filing right away gives you the best shot at getting benefits as soon as possible. Washington ESD processes thousands of claims so everything takes time.

I see people asking about Claimyr - I tried it when I was having issues reaching Washington ESD about my pending adjudication. It actually connected me to someone who could check my claim status. Pretty useful when you're stuck and can't get through normally.

Bottom line: file your unemployment claim with Washington ESD today. Like, stop reading this thread and go do it right now. Every day you wait is money out of your pocket.