How long do you have to be out of work to get unemployment benefits in Washington?

You can file your unemployment claim right away - don't wait! Washington ESD recommends filing your claim the first week you're unemployed or have reduced hours. There's a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, but that starts counting from when you file, not from when you became unemployed.

definitely file right away like the other person said. I made the mistake of waiting two weeks thinking I needed to be unemployed longer and it just delayed everything

The key thing to understand is the difference between when you can FILE and when you can RECEIVE benefits. You can file immediately after becoming unemployed, but there's a mandatory one-week waiting period before payments start. This waiting week serves both your claim and helps manage the system workload.

I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I first filed. The phone lines are always busy and the website can be glitchy. If yoU need to talk to someone about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

wait I thought you had to be unemployed for 30 days before you could file? that's what my brother told me

The system is set up so backwards. You lose your job and need money immediately but they make you wait a week for no good reason. It's just bureaucratic nonsense.

Important detail - make sure you meet the work history requirements too. You need to have worked in Washington state during your base period and earned a minimum amount. Just being unemployed isn't enough.

Also remember you have to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits, even during that first waiting week. Don't skip filing just because you won't get paid that week.

The job search requirements kick in right away too. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. Don't forget about that part or you could get disqualified.

I used Claimyr when my claim got stuck in adjudication and couldn't get through on the phone. Definitely recommend it if you run into issues. The website is claimyr.com and they helped me understand what was happening with my claim.

File online at esd.wa.gov - it's usually faster than calling. Just make sure you have all your employment information ready including dates and wages.

The waiting period thing is stupid but at least once it's over you get paid pretty regularly. My payments come every Tuesday like clockwork.

One more thing - if you quit your job instead of being laid off, you might not be eligible right away. There are different rules for voluntary vs involuntary unemployment.

The whole process stressed me out so much when I first did it. But honestly once you file and get approved it's pretty straightforward. Just file weekly and keep looking for work.

If anyone's having trouble reaching ESD by phone, I also had success with Claimyr. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone urgently about your claim status.

Bottom line - file immediately, don't wait. The longer you wait the more potential benefits you lose. And make sure to file those weekly claims religiously.

Also keep in mind that even if you find part-time work while receiving benefits, you might still be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. Don't automatically stop filing if you get some work.

The key is just getting started with the process. Don't overthink it - file your claim, file weekly, look for work, and be patient with the system.

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - definitely file right away! I made the same mistake as some others here and waited thinking I needed to be unemployed longer. Cost me about 10 days of potential benefits because I didn't understand the system. The waiting week is mandatory regardless of when you file, so there's literally no benefit to delaying your application. Washington ESD's online system at esd.wa.gov is pretty user-friendly once you get started. Make sure you have your last employer's information handy and your social security number. Good luck with your claim!