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

Oh thank god, I was panicking thinking I completely missed out. So I won't get those 6 weeks but I can still get benefits going forward?

Exactly. Your benefit year starts when you file, not when you were laid off. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving weekly payments.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved after you filed?

took about 3 weeks for mine to process, but that was because they had to verify my employment history

Never heard of Claimyr but honestly anything beats sitting on hold for 4 hours just to get hung up on. How does it work?

From what I understand, they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saves you from the endless hold times.

I actually used Claimyr last month when I was stuck in adjudication. Worth every penny to finally talk to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim.

Do I need pay stubs or anything like that when I file?

Not usually for the initial filing, but have them ready in case Washington ESD requests them during the verification process. They'll ask for your SSN, employment history, and basic personal info.

Also be prepared for the job search requirements once your claim is approved. You'll need to log job contacts weekly.

Unfortunately no, Washington ESD doesn't provide retroactive benefits for weeks before you file. The system assumes you weren't actively seeking benefits during that time.

That's ridiculous. A lot of people don't realize they need to file immediately.

It's frustrating but that's how it works in most states. The key is getting the word out to people when they first get laid off.

Did you run into any issues during the application process?

Only hiccup was when they couldn't verify one of my previous employers and I had to provide additional documentation. But that was resolved pretty quickly.

Good to know! I was planning to do it tonight after work anyway.

Yeah the website definitely runs smoother outside of business hours in my experience.

Weekly claims? What are those exactly?

every week you have to log in and report if you worked or looked for work. its how they know to pay you

Exactly - your weekly claim is due by Saturday night each week. You'll report any work performed, job contacts made, and verify you're able and available for work.

How much can you typically expect to get in benefits?

Depends on your previous earnings but in Washington it's roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum amount. You can estimate it on the Washington ESD website.

Was it expensive to use Claimyr?

It was worth it for me considering how much time I'd already wasted trying to call myself. They handled all the waiting and I just got a call when an agent was ready to talk.

You file in the state where you worked, not where you live. So if you worked in Washington, you'd file with Washington ESD regardless of where you live.

Perfect, thank you for clarifying that!

At least you didn't wait 6 weeks like me! We're both learning as we go.

True! Better late than never I guess. Good luck with your claim!

I only had one job for the past 2 years, so that should be straightforward.

That'll make it easier! Just make sure you have the exact dates and your employer's full business name.

That's reassuring. I'm going to start my application tonight.

Good plan! Don't overthink it - just be honest and accurate with your information.

Good catch - I'll make sure I'm on the right site.

Yeah, anything asking for payment upfront to 'help' you file is definitely a scam. The state application is free.

How long did they say it would take to process your claim?

They said 3-4 weeks typically, but it can be longer if they need to verify employment or if there are any issues.

Great advice, I'll start a folder for all my unemployment paperwork.

Smart move. Organization is key when dealing with any government benefits.

3 per week doesn't sound too bad. Is there a specific way they want you to track them?

You log them in your weekly claim - employer name, contact method, position applied for, and date. Pretty straightforward.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I've been stressing about it for days.

We've all made mistakes with this stuff. Focus on moving forward and getting your benefits set up.

Will do! Planning to file tonight and I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Awesome! Rooting for you. The hardest part is just getting started.