How long do I have to file for unemployment after losing my job in Washington?

So I won't get paid for these past two weeks since I didn't file yet? That's frustrating but at least I know I can still apply.

Exactly, your claim effective date will be the week you file. That's why it's always recommended to file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.

Wait, so I already lost two weeks of benefits? That's like $800 I'll never get back?

Unfortunately yes, that's correct. The effective date is when you file your initial claim, not your last day of work.

Ugh that makes me feel even worse. I should have filed right away.

Don't beat yourself up too much, lots of people don't know this rule. Just file today!

What's a base period? I worked full time for 8 months before getting laid off.

Base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. With 8 months of work you should be fine for the wage requirements.

I haven't tried calling yet. Can't I just file online?

You can file the initial claim online at esd.wa.gov but if you have any issues you'll need to call. The website crashes a lot too.

I had the same problem with Washington ESD phone lines. Found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They handle all the calling for you - check out claimyr.com. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

That's exactly what I was afraid of. At least now I know for next time to file immediately.

Yeah it's one of those things they don't really tell you upfront. I wish I had known too when I first got laid off.

Thanks for mentioning the job search requirements. I've been applying to jobs but haven't been tracking them properly. Is there a specific way I need to document these contacts?

Yes, you'll need to create a WorkSourceWA account and log your job contacts there. Include employer name, position applied for, date of contact, and method of contact. Keep this updated weekly.

That sounds helpful. I was dreading having to call Washington ESD based on what I've heard about their phone system.

I've heard mixed things about third-party services. Has anyone else used this successfully?

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to someone in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.

Oh no, does that mean I've already lost three weeks of benefits? That's like $2000 I needed!

Not necessarily lost forever, but you can only backdate one week automatically. You might be able to request additional backdating if you have good cause for the delay.

What counts as good cause? I just thought I'd find work quickly and didn't want to deal with the hassle of filing.

Unfortunately, thinking you'd find work quickly probably won't qualify as good cause. Good cause is usually for circumstances beyond your control.

I was making about $18/hour so hopefully I'll qualify for a decent amount.

At $18/hour you should get around $350/week, but it depends on your total wages in the base period.

Do I need to have all my employment history perfectly organized before I start, or can I look things up as I go?

You can look things up as you go, but having your previous employers' addresses and dates of employment ready makes it go faster.

Thanks, that makes me feel better. I was beating myself up about not filing sooner.

yeah but you still lose those weeks of benefits which can add up to quite a bit of money

That's exactly what I'm worried about - not being able to reach anyone at Washington ESD to explain my situation.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it when I had issues with my adjudication and it actually worked. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

I have all that stuff. It was a layoff due to budget cuts so hopefully that's straightforward.

Layoffs are usually pretty straightforward for approval. Just make sure you're honest about everything on the application.

That's terrifying. What does adjudication mean?

Adjudication means they're reviewing your claim for eligibility. Could be routine or they might need more information about your separation from work.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. When my claim went into adjudication I needed to talk to someone to find out what documents they needed. The service got me connected to an actual person who could look at my case.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that happening to my claim?

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving it. Common reasons include job separation issues or questions about your availability for work. Not everyone goes through it.

In my case it was because I had been fired and they needed to determine if it was for misconduct. Took forever but eventually got approved.

I was just focused on job hunting and didn't realize I should file immediately. Is that a reasonable explanation?

Yeah that should be fine. Two weeks isn't that unusual. Just be honest about it.

Did you get benefits for those two weeks you waited, or did you lose them?

lost the first week but got the second week backdated. better than nothing i guess

Wow, two months is a long time. I'm definitely filing this week after reading all these responses.

Same here, I thought I'd find something fast and didn't bother filing. Big mistake.

Yes, you have to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment. You'll need to log your job search activities each week.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week. This can include applications, networking, interviews, etc.

That's really good advice. I was thinking the same way - that I'd find something quickly and wouldn't need UI.

Exactly. I tell everyone to file immediately just in case. You never know how long the job search will take.

How often do I need to do that? Every week?

Yes, you need to file a weekly claim every week that you want to receive benefits, usually due by the end of the week.

Good idea. I'll check that out before I start the application process.

It's because they want to prevent people from filing claims for periods when they weren't actively looking for work. The system assumes if you wait weeks to file, you might not have been available for work during that time.

But that's ridiculous! People have different circumstances and might not know the rules. The whole system is designed to trip people up.

Good to know. I have nothing to hide - it was definitely a layoff, not a firing.

Smart approach. Being honest upfront saves so much trouble later.

Is it better to file online or over the phone?

Definitely online if possible. The phone lines are swamped and you'll wait forever. Plus you can take your time with the application online.

You're absolutely right. I'm going to file tomorrow morning.

What employment information do I need to have ready? I worked for the same company for 2 years.

You'll need your employer's name, address, dates of employment, reason for separation, and your wages. Have your last pay stub handy too.

Good to hear another positive experience with that service. Might be worth checking out if I run into issues.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I feel much more confident about filing now and understand the importance of not waiting any longer.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When the online system is having issues and you can't get through by phone, having a service that can actually connect you to a real person at Washington ESD is invaluable. It saved me hours of frustration.

Try filing early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic on the system. I filed mine at 6 AM and it went through fine.

Weekly claims? So filing the initial claim isn't enough?

Nope! You file your initial claim once, then you have to file a weekly claim every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work. That's how you actually get paid.

So I'll miss out on three weeks total now? The two I already waited plus the waiting week?

Unfortunately yes. That's why everyone's telling you to file immediately - every day you wait is money lost.

Okay, you've all convinced me. I'm going to file as soon as I get home from work today.

Good! You'll feel so much better once it's done.

What kind of documentation would I need to show good cause? I don't have anything official.

Medical records, proof of lack of internet access, documentation that you were misinformed about filing requirements - things like that. Just saying you thought you'd find work quickly won't be enough.

I'm not working at all right now. Should I wait to file until I start looking for part-time work?

No! File now while you're completely unemployed. If you get part-time work later, you just report those hours and earnings on your weekly claims.