How long do you have to file for unemployment benefits in Washington?

You should file ASAP! In Washington, you can file a claim up to one year after your job separation, but you can only get benefits dating back to when you actually filed. So if you wait 2 months to file, you lose those 2 months of potential benefits even if you're approved.

The key thing is Washington ESD has a one-week waiting period, but that starts from when you file, not when you lost your job. Plus you need to be actively looking for work to qualify, so if you're already job hunting, you might as well file and get the benefits while you search.

You generally want to file as soon as possible after losing your job. In Washington, you have up to one year from the date you became unemployed to file an initial claim, but there's a big catch - you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually filed. So if you wait 2 months to file, you lose those 8 weeks of potential benefits.

I was in the same boat last year - kept thinking I'd find work quickly so why bother with the hassle. Took me 3 months to find something and I lost out on a lot of money. The filing process isn't actually that bad once you get through it.

The one year deadline is correct but like the previous poster said, benefits only start from when you file. I made the same mistake and waited 3 weeks thinking I'd get hired somewhere fast. Cost me about $1,200 in benefits I could have received. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov right away.

Just went through this whole process myself. Had trouble getting through to Washington ESD for weeks with questions about my claim. Kept getting busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting forever. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

wait so if I file today but I was laid off 2 weeks ago, I can't get those 2 weeks of money?? that seems really unfair

The key thing to remember is that you have to file for the 'waiting week' too even though you don't get paid for it. Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement but you still need to file that first weekly claim. Don't skip it or you'll mess up your whole claim sequence.

Speaking of getting through on the phone - if you run into issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, check out claimyr.com. They help you get through to an actual agent instead of sitting on hold forever. I used them when my claim got stuck in adjudication and it was a lifesaver. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Just to add - even if you think you might get a job soon, you can always stop filing weekly claims if you get hired. There's no penalty for filing and then not needing the benefits. But you can't go back and get benefits for weeks you didn't file.

I filed 6 months after I lost my job and still got approved, so you definitely have time. But yeah, I only got benefits from when I filed forward, not backdated. Make sure you have all your employment info handy when you file - employer names, dates, wages, reason for separation.

The system is ridiculous. I had to call Washington ESD like 50 times to get through and then they put me on hold for 2 hours. Finally someone told me about using Claimyr to get connected faster. Wish I'd known about it sooner.

One year seems like a long time but honestly don't wait. The longer you wait the more complicated things can get, especially if you do any work in between or if your employer contests your claim. File within the first few days if possible.

Also make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed. You can't go back and file for weeks you missed.

Don't forget you need your last employer's info when you file - company name, address, your last day worked, reason for separation, etc. Makes the process go faster if you have all that ready.

The Washington ESD website says you should file in your first week of unemployment, but like others said, you technically have up to a year. Just don't wait because you can't backdate benefits to before you filed.

I waited almost a month before filing because I was embarrassed about being on unemployment. Biggest mistake ever - lost out on over $1000. Don't let pride cost you money you're entitled to.

I filed about 6 weeks after I lost my job and it was fine, but I definitely wished I had filed sooner when I realized how much money I left on the table. Don't make my mistake!

Quick question - if you file late do they make the process harder or anything? Like is there extra paperwork?

Just curious - does anyone know if the one year deadline is from when you were laid off or from when your last job ended? I had a job that ended in December but didn't get laid off from my next job until February.

The whole phone situation with Washington ESD is a nightmare. I tried calling for 3 weeks straight about my claim status. Finally broke down and used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Got through in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day trying.

Make sure you file online at esd.wa.gov rather than trying to call in your initial claim. The online system is available 24/7 and much faster than waiting on the phone.

Don't forget you'll need to do the job search requirements too once your claim is active. Washington requires 3 job search activities per week unless you're on standby.

One more thing - if you do any part-time or temporary work while collecting benefits, make sure you report it on your weekly claims. Don't try to hide it because they'll find out eventually and you'll have to pay back overpayments.

Bottom line - file now, don't wait any longer. Two weeks isn't terrible but every day you wait is money you're leaving on the table. The whole process takes like 30 minutes online.

Just wanted to add that if you run into any issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or anything like that, that Claimyr service people mentioned is really helpful for getting through to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Way better than the normal calling nightmare.

Update us on how it goes! Always curious to hear about other people's experiences with the Washington ESD system.

OP, definitely file now. I work in HR and I always tell people who get laid off to file immediately even if they think they'll find work quickly. You never know how long it might take, and at least you'll have that safety net.

The thing that surprised me was even though I filed right away, my first payment was delayed because they had to verify my employment. So don't expect money immediately even if you file on time.

If you do file and then need help with anything, I also used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Had an issue where my weekly claim wasn't going through and they got me connected to someone at Washington ESD who fixed it same day. Worth having in your back pocket.

This thread convinced me to finally file too. Lost my job 3 weeks ago and kept putting it off. Better late than never I guess!

Just remember you have to file weekly claims once you get approved, even if you're actively interviewing. Missing a weekly claim can mess up your benefits.

One more thing - if you get a job offer while you're collecting unemployment, you're supposed to stop filing claims starting the week you begin work. Don't try to double dip or you could get in trouble for overpayment.

Glad this thread exists! I was wondering the same thing. Sounds like the answer is file ASAP and don't wait around hoping for the best.