How long to file for unemployment - Washington ESD deadline confusion

Oh thank god about the waiting week thing. So I should have filed yesterday then? Can I still get benefits for this week if I file today?

Yes file TODAY. Your benefit year starts the Sunday of the week you file, so if you file today you can claim benefits starting from this past Sunday.

Ouch that's expensive mistake. Filing online right now then.

same thing happened to my brother, he waited almost a month and couldn't get any of those weeks back

What kind of adjudication issue? Should I expect problems with my claim?

Not necessarily - mine was because I had some contract work mixed with W2 employment. Most straightforward layoffs process pretty quickly.

How much does that Claimyr thing cost? Seems sketchy to pay to reach a government agency.

What counts as good cause for backdating?

Usually serious illness, military deployment, or other circumstances completely beyond your control. Getting bad advice or not knowing the rules doesn't qualify.

Is the online system pretty straightforward? I'm not great with computer stuff.

Yeah it walks you through everything step by step. Have your social security card and employment info ready.

What kind of verification are they asking for? That's not typical for a standard layoff.

Identity verification, then work search records, then they wanted bank statements. It's ridiculous!

That sounds like you might have gotten caught up in fraud prevention measures. Did you move recently or have any other complications?

How many jobs do you have to apply to per week?

Three job search activities per week minimum. Can be applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records.

That's because your benefit year started the Sunday of that week regardless. But waiting longer than a week would have cost you.

Right, exactly. Just wanted OP to know they don't have to panic if they can't file today.

Do I need pay stubs or anything like that?

Not usually for the initial application, but have your last few pay stubs handy in case they ask for income verification later.

As a former employee, any insider tips for getting through the system smoothly?

Be completely honest on your application, keep detailed records of everything, and respond to any requests for information immediately. Most delays happen because people don't provide requested documents quickly enough.

This is solid advice. Also screenshot everything in case the system glitches.

Good point, I'll try first thing tomorrow morning then.

Yeah the system definitely crawls on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings.

No special rules for restaurants unless it was a seasonal operation. Regular unemployment rules apply.

It was a regular restaurant open year-round, so I should be good then.

How do the weekly claims work? Do I have to report job searches every week?

Yes, you report your job search activities and any work/income for that week. Miss a weekly claim and you lose that week's benefits.

The weekly claims open on Sunday morning and you have until Saturday night to file. Don't wait until the last minute.

How exactly does it work? Do they call for you or just help you get through?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent is available. Much better than spending your whole day redialing.

I've only worked in Washington, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Then you should have a pretty straightforward process. Just file ASAP and you'll be fine.

What are common reasons for denial?

Misconduct, voluntary quit without good cause, or not meeting wage requirements. Since you were laid off, you should be fine unless there were performance issues.

Thanks everyone! Filing my claim right now. Really appreciate all the advice.

Good luck! Come back if you run into any issues with the process.

I'll keep that in mind if I run into problems. Hopefully my claim goes through smoothly.

Most do! But it's good to know the option exists if you need it.

Sorry to hear about your layoff but glad the thread helped! Good luck with your claim.

Make sure you both keep good records of your job search activities from day one. It's much easier than trying to reconstruct them later.