How long do you have to file for unemployment in Washington - deadline confusion

You typically have one year from when you become unemployed to file your initial claim in Washington. However, you should file as soon as possible because benefits don't start until you actually submit your claim - there's no retroactive payments for weeks before you file. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits.

The one year deadline is correct but here's what most people don't realize - you need to file your WEEKLY claims within a much shorter timeframe. Once you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments, and if you miss filing a weekly claim you generally can't go back and claim that week later.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I was trying to figure out my filing deadline. Their phone lines are constantly busy and the website wasn't clear about the specific timeframes. I ended up using Claimyr to actually get through to an agent who confirmed the one year rule. The service is at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works to get you connected to ESD agents.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! why cant they just make it simple and tell you exactly when you need to file everything. I've been putting off filing because I keep reading different things and getting overwhelmed

One thing to add - if you quit your job rather than being laid off, there might be different rules about when you can file and whether you'll be eligible. The timing requirements could be different if there are any issues with your separation from employment.

Does anyone know if the deadline changes if you're on standby status? Like if your employer says they might call you back but you're not working right now?

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for asking this question because I was wondering the same thing! I got laid off three weeks ago and kept procrastinating on filing because I thought I needed to have everything perfect first.

For documentation, you don't need to have everything perfect before you start filing. The main things you'll need are your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your employment history for the past 18 months. You can gather additional documents as needed during the process.

Another thing - make sure you file in the right state! If you worked in Washington but live somewhere else, or worked in multiple states, there might be specific rules about where and when to file.

The Washington ESD website has a checklist of what you need before filing, but honestly their site can be hard to navigate. If you're having trouble finding clear information, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier really does help cut through the confusion by connecting you directly with ESD agents.

Wait, so if I file today for unemployment, when would my first payment be? Does it take a certain amount of time to process?

Pro tip: file online rather than trying to call. The website is available 24/7 and you don't have to deal with busy phone lines. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection when you're filling it out.

I filed my claim six months after I was laid off and had no problems with the deadline. The one year rule is real. But I definitely regretted waiting because I lost out on months of benefits I could have been receiving.

Does the one year deadline apply even if you find another job and then lose that job too? Like if I file now, get a job in two months, then lose that job, do I have to file a whole new claim?

Honestly this thread has been super helpful. I was in the same boat as OP - laid off a few weeks ago and stressed about filing deadlines. Going to get my claim submitted tonight!

One more thing to mention - even though you have a year to file, your benefit year starts from when you file, not when you became unemployed. So filing sooner gives you more time to use your benefits if you need them.

For anyone reading this later - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed. You can't go back and claim weeks you missed filing for.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr mention from earlier - I've used it a couple times now when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about different issues, and it's been consistently helpful for actually getting through to agents. Really cuts down on the frustration of busy signals and long hold times.

Bottom line for OP and anyone else worried about this - you have way more time than you think (one year), but don't waste that time because every week you wait is a week of benefits you can't get back. File ASAP!

Just to add some peace of mind for anyone still reading this - I was in a similar situation last year where I waited almost a month to file because I was overwhelmed by all the conflicting information online. The one year deadline is definitely real, but don't let that make you think you have all the time in the world. I ended up losing out on nearly $1,200 in benefits just from that month of procrastination. The application process itself is actually pretty straightforward once you sit down and do it - took me about 30 minutes online. The hardest part is just getting started, so don't overthink it!