How long do I have to file unemployment after losing my job - Washington ESD deadlines?

Oh no, so I already lost a week's worth of benefits? That sucks. I should have filed on Monday.

Yeah unfortunately. But file today and you won't lose any more weeks. The system is pretty straightforward once you get started.

One year seems like a really long window. Why would anyone wait that long?

Some people don't know they're eligible, or they think they'll find work quickly. I was being stubborn about accepting I needed help.

I waited 6 months because I was doing gig work and didn't realize I could still qualify for partial benefits. Big mistake on my part.

Weekly claims? What does that involve?

Every week you have to log in and report whether you worked, looked for jobs, and if you earned any money. It's pretty quick once you get used to it.

What's Claimyr? Is that some kind of service?

It helps you get through to Washington ESD phone agents without waiting on hold for hours. Saved me a ton of time and frustration.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone system is a nightmare.

You're right, I'm going to do it tonight. Is the online system pretty user-friendly?

It's not bad. Just have your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation. Takes maybe 30-45 minutes.

The time limit is the same regardless of why you left. Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - depends on the reason. File anyway and let Washington ESD decide.

Okay thanks. I was fired for attendance issues but I had some valid reasons. Worth a shot I guess.

Definitely worth filing. Even if they initially deny you, you can appeal the decision. But you have to get the initial claim in first.

It's not punishment, it's just how the system works. They can't pay you for weeks before you actually requested benefits. Think about it from their perspective.

Plus there are budget and administrative reasons. They need to know who's claiming benefits when to manage the program properly.

Wait, so waiting could actually make me ineligible? That's terrifying.

In extreme cases, yeah. But at one week you're totally fine. Just don't wait months.

Good point about the base period calculations. Another reason to file sooner rather than later.

That would be nice but there are privacy issues and not everyone who gets laid off wants to file for unemployment. Some people have other jobs lined up.

Fair point. I just hate bureaucratic inefficiency.

That's reassuring! Did you get your first payment pretty quickly after filing?

It took about 2 weeks for my first payment, but that included the waiting week. Pretty standard timing.

Same time limit applies regardless of separation reason. The bigger issue with quitting is proving you had 'good cause' to leave, but that's a separate eligibility question.

Thanks. My friend had documented harassment issues so hopefully that counts as good cause.

Same here! I'm definitely doing it tonight. We can't get those lost weeks back.

Exactly. Better late than never but better now than later!

How much does Claimyr cost? Is it worth it just for a simple question?

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to me to not sit on hold all day. Especially when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

Good timing advice! I was planning to do it tonight (Wednesday) but maybe I should wait until Sunday.

Don't wait! File tonight. A few technical glitches are better than losing more benefit weeks.

Yeah, you're probably right. File as soon as possible is the best advice.

There might be some hardship exceptions but I don't know the specifics. That would be something to discuss directly with Washington ESD.

Makes sense. Hopefully most people don't run into that kind of situation.

Totally agree. There should be better communication about the timing requirements. Too many people lose out on benefits because they don't understand the system.

Exactly. It's almost like they don't want people to know their rights.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm convinced - filing my claim tonight for sure. You all saved me from making a costly mistake.

Good! Come back and update us on how it goes. The community is here to help with any other questions.

And remember, if you need to talk to Washington ESD about anything, Claimyr.com can save you hours of phone time. Really game-changing service.

That's a good point. I was worried about filing if I might not qualify, but you're right - better to find out sooner rather than later.

Exactly. And if you do qualify, you'll be getting payments while sorting out any complications instead of missing out completely.