How long do you have to file unemployment after job loss in Washington ESD?

You should file as soon as possible after your job loss. In Washington, there's no specific deadline like 30 days or anything, but your benefit year starts from when you file, not when you lost your job. So if you wait weeks to file, you're potentially losing money since benefits aren't retroactive to your layoff date.

I waited 3 weeks to file mine last year thinking I might find something quick. Big mistake - those 3 weeks of potential benefits were just gone. Washington ESD doesn't backdate to your separation date, only to when you actually file the claim.

Here's what you need to know about timing: File your initial claim as soon as possible after job separation. Your waiting week starts with your first filed weekly claim, not your separation date. The system will ask for your last day worked, but benefits begin based on your filing date. Also make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months ready.

Had the same question when I got furloughed. Turns out I spent way too much time trying to call Washington ESD to ask about deadlines when I should've just filed online. The phone lines are absolutely useless - spent hours on hold getting nowhere. Finally used Claimyr.com to actually get through to an agent who confirmed there's no hard deadline but emphasized filing ASAP. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how their callback service works.

wait i thought you had like 30 days or something?? my friend told me there was a deadline

Update: Just filed my claim online. Took about 20 minutes and wasn't as complicated as I expected. Thanks everyone for pushing me to do it right away instead of procrastinating!

The whole system is so confusing honestly. Like why don't they just backdate it to when you lost your job? Makes no sense that you get penalized for not knowing the rules.

Pro tip: Even if you think you might not qualify, file anyway. Let Washington ESD make that determination rather than self-selecting out. I almost didn't file because I thought my situation was too complicated but ended up getting approved.

Just want to emphasize what others said - FILE IMMEDIATELY. I see too many people lose out on benefits because they waited. Even if your claim goes into adjudication, at least you've got your filing date locked in.

Been through this process twice now. Second time I filed literally the day after my last day of work and it made such a difference. First time I waited almost a month because I was embarrassed about filing for unemployment.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info ready when you file. The system will ask for your gross wages from your last employer and the reason for separation.

Another thing about timing - if you're thinking about filing but haven't been laid off yet, DON'T file until your actual last day of work. Filing before your separation date will cause issues with your claim.

Had to use one of those callback services when my claim got stuck and I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD. Claimyr got me connected to an agent who explained the whole timeline thing. Apparently a lot of people mess this up by waiting too long to file.

Quick question - does the one week waiting period start from when you file or from your separation date?

ugh I wish someone had told me this stuff when I got laid off. Lost like 2 weeks of benefits because I thought I had to wait for some paperwork from my employer first

For anyone reading this later: Washington ESD's website has a 'File a Claim' button right on the homepage. Don't overthink it - just click it and start the process as soon as you're unemployed. The system will guide you through what information you need.

The real answer: File as soon as possible after job loss. There's no hard deadline but every day you wait is money you're potentially losing. Benefits start from your filing date, not your separation date.

One more tip: If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask questions about filing deadlines or anything else, there are services like Claimyr that can get you connected to an actual agent. Sometimes talking to someone directly is worth it when you're dealing with important benefit timing questions.

Bottom line for anyone still reading: Don't wait. File your unemployment claim as soon as possible after job loss. Every day you delay is potentially money lost since Washington ESD doesn't backdate benefits to your separation date.