How long to claim unemployment benefits in Washington - time limits?

So if I was laid off on Friday, I should file this week? I thought there might be a waiting period or something.

Exactly - file ASAP. There used to be a waiting week but that was eliminated. You can receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment if you file promptly.

wait, is it always 26 weeks? I thought it varied based on how long you worked at your job

The maximum is 26 weeks, but you might qualify for fewer weeks if your work history is limited. It's based on your earnings in your base period, not just how long you worked at your last job.

What's a base period? I worked at the restaurant for 2 years straight, does that help?

Oh no, so if I wait I actually lose money? That's crazy. I'll file today then. What's this Claimyr thing though?

Yeah, you lose those weeks permanently. Claimyr basically helps you get through to Washington ESD agents when the phone lines are jammed. Super helpful when you have questions that the website can't answer.

Adjudication can take time, especially if there are questions about your separation. Have you tried calling to check on the status?

I've tried calling literally dozens of times and can never get through. It just rings and rings or gives me a busy signal.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr - it solved that exact problem for me. The constant busy signals and hold times were driving me crazy.

this is confusing af. can someone explain in normal english?

Sure - basically they look at how much you earned in the past year (roughly) to determine both your weekly benefit amount and total benefit entitlement. More earnings = more benefits, up to the state maximums.

Since I worked at the restaurant for 2 years making decent tips, I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

I definitely made more than $1,019 in a quarter - I was making good money with tips. Should be fine then.

Sounds like you'll qualify no problem. Just get that claim filed today if you can.

Weekly claims? What do you mean? I thought you just file once and then get checks.

No, you have to certify every week that you're still unemployed and looking for work. It's called filing your weekly claim. You do this online through the Washington ESD website.

And if you forget to file a weekly claim you're just screwed for that week? That seems harsh.

You're thinking of the time limit to use benefits once you establish eligibility. For initial filing, there's no specific deadline, but practically you want to file ASAP to avoid losing benefit weeks.

Right, that makes sense. Better to file immediately and not risk losing anything.

Good to know. I might pick up some catering gigs while I look for a full-time restaurant job.

Just make sure to report all earnings honestly. They cross-reference with employment records anyway.

You need to be actively seeking work starting with your first week of benefits. This means applying for jobs, networking, training, etc. You have to log your job search activities.

Ugh, so I can't just take a few weeks to decompress after getting laid off? That sucks.

You can choose not to file for those weeks if you want a break, but then you won't receive benefits for those weeks. Most people need the money right away.

I always reported my tips properly, learned that lesson early when a coworker got audited. Should help with my benefit amount then.

Definitely will help. Tips count as wages for unemployment purposes.

Oh that's helpful! I'll look for that on their website. Thanks for the tip.

No problem. It's not 100% accurate since they don't have all your employment details, but it gives you a ballpark figure.

6 weeks?? That's insane. How did you survive without income for that long?

Credit cards and family help. It was rough. Eventually got backpaid for all those weeks though. Just wish I could have gotten through to someone at Washington ESD to speed things up.

This is another situation where Claimyr would have been helpful - getting through to ask about adjudication delays.

Interesting, so the benefits don't expire if you find a job and then lose it again?

Not immediately. If it's within the same benefit year and you haven't exhausted your benefits, you can potentially reopen the claim. But there are specific rules about this.

The filing timeline is the same regardless, but your eligibility might be different. If you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct, you might face a disqualification period.

Got it. I was laid off due to slow business, so should be straightforward.

Message received loud and clear! Filing as soon as I finish reading these responses. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Good luck! The process can be frustrating but most claims go through eventually.

Is it expensive though? I'm already strapped for cash being unemployed.

I can't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to finally get answers about my claim. Check out their site at claimyr.com for details.

Perfect summary. Thanks to everyone who responded - I feel much more confident about filing now.

Glad we could help! This community is great for sharing experiences and advice.