How long do you have to file an unemployment claim with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I won't be able to get benefits for the two weeks I've already waited?

Correct - benefits only start from the week you file your claim, not from when you actually lost your job. That's why it's important to file immediately after becoming unemployed.

Ugh, I wish I had known this sooner. Going to file right now!

Don't beat yourself up too much - a lot of people don't realize this. At least you're filing now instead of waiting even longer.

What kind of questions? Will they deny my claim because I waited two weeks?

They might ask why you didn't file sooner to make sure you were actually unemployed and available for work during that time. Two weeks isn't usually a problem, but longer delays sometimes trigger additional review.

This is why I always tell people to file the day after they lose their job. Better safe than sorry with Washington ESD.

Is that a paid service? I'm trying to save money right now since I'm unemployed.

Yes it costs something but honestly it was worth it for me to not spend hours on hold. The peace of mind knowing I could actually talk to someone at Washington ESD was huge.

Never heard of this but might look into it if I have issues. The Washington ESD phone system is definitely frustrating.

What reasons did they give for waiting so long? Just curious what would be considered acceptable.

They said they were trying to find work on their own first and didn't realize they could file for UI while job searching. Washington ESD accepted that explanation.

How do the weekly claims work? Do I have to file them on the same day each week?

You can file them anytime during the week, but they're due by the end of each week. Most people file on Sundays for the previous week. The Washington ESD website will show you exactly when each weekly claim is due.

And make sure you file them even if you're still in adjudication! A lot of people think they should wait until their claim is approved but you need to keep filing weekly to maintain your claim.

RIGHT?! The website is like reading a legal document. They could definitely make it more user-friendly.

The information is there but it's scattered across different pages. I agree they could organize it better for people who are filing for the first time.

That's reassuring! I was worried it would take hours.

Just make sure you have all your employment info ready - employer names, dates, wages, etc. That's what takes the most time to look up.

This is where that Claimyr service mentioned earlier might actually be helpful. I hate waiting on hold for hours.

Yeah exactly! That's why I ended up using it. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get peace of mind about these things.

Thank you everyone! I'm filing my claim right now. Really appreciate all the advice.

Good luck! Hope your claim gets processed quickly.

Yes, you need to be able and available for work when you file. The job search requirements kick in after you're approved, but you should be ready to work from the start.

The job search log requirement is usually 3 activities per week once you start receiving benefits. But check your specific requirements when you file.

Glad it helped someone else too! I just finished filing mine and it really wasn't as bad as I thought.

Same here - was putting it off but this convinced me to just do it. Better late than never!

This should be pinned somewhere. So many people make this mistake because they don't realize the timing rules.

Agreed! Wish I had known this when I first got laid off years ago. Live and learn I guess.

How quickly were you able to get through to someone?

Much faster than trying to call on my own. They handle the waiting and callback process so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

Perfect summary! Thanks again everyone for all the help and advice.

Hope everything works out for you! The unemployment process is stressful enough without worrying about timing issues.