How long do you have to wait to apply for unemployment Washington ESD?

You can apply for unemployment benefits immediately after you become unemployed. There's no waiting period to file your initial claim with Washington ESD. In fact, you should file as soon as possible because benefits are only paid from the date you file, not from when you became unemployed. Being laid off is definitely better than quitting - layoffs typically qualify you for benefits while quitting often doesn't unless you had good cause.

I waited a week after I got fired thinking I needed to wait and it was a mistake. Lost out on that first week of benefits because I didn't know they don't backdate payments. File TODAY if you can.

Just to clarify - there's no waiting period to APPLY, but there is a one-week waiting period before you can receive your first payment. So you'll file your initial claim, then file weekly claims, but your first payable week is actually your second week of unemployment. This is different from the old system where you had to wait to apply.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I needed help with my claim. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - social security number, employer details, dates of employment, reason for separation, etc. The application will ask for your work history for the past 18 months.

ugh the system is so confusing! I applied but then got some letter about adjudication and I don't even know what that means. Why can't they just approve people who obviously qualify??

I think there used to be a waiting period years ago but they changed it. Now you can file right away which is good because people need help immediately when they lose their jobs.

Don't forget you'll need to do job search activities too once you start receiving benefits. Washington ESD requires you to look for work and keep a log of your job search efforts.

File online ASAP! I made the mistake of trying to call first and wasted 2 days before giving up and just doing it online. The online system walks you through everything step by step.

Quick question - does it matter what time of day you file? Like is the system faster at certain times?

Been there! Lost my retail job last month and was so confused about the whole process. But seriously, file today if you can. The sooner you get your claim in, the sooner you can start getting help. And don't stress too much about making mistakes on the application - you can usually fix things later if needed.

Also want to mention - if you have trouble reaching Washington ESD for any reason down the line, I used Claimyr to get through to an agent when I couldn't get my weekly claim to submit properly. Really helped me avoid losing a week of benefits.

I'm dealing with my own unemployment claim right now and I wish someone had told me to file immediately. I thought I needed to look for jobs for a few weeks first before applying. Cost me probably $800 in benefits I could have gotten.

Make sure you keep checking your online account after you file too. Sometimes Washington ESD will send you messages through the secure messaging system asking for additional information, and you need to respond quickly or your claim could be delayed.

One more thing - make sure you have a good phone number and email on file because that's how they'll contact you if there are any issues with your claim. I missed an important call because I had an old number on file and it delayed my benefits by 2 weeks.

I know this thread is getting long but wanted to add - if you get a determination letter that denies your claim for any reason, don't panic! You have 30 days to appeal and lots of initial denials get overturned on appeal. I got denied initially because of a miscommunication about my separation reason, but the appeal hearing cleared it up.

For what it's worth, I had to use Claimyr twice during my unemployment period - once when I couldn't get through about my adjudication status, and once when I had questions about my overpayment notice. Both times they helped me connect with someone who could actually help resolve my issues instead of just getting the runaround.

Bottom line - file your claim as soon as possible, keep filing weekly claims, do your job search requirements, and respond to any requests from Washington ESD promptly. That's the formula for getting your benefits without major delays. Good luck!