How long until I can file for unemployment in Washington - timing questions

You can file your initial claim the Sunday after your last day of work. So if Friday is your last day, file that Sunday. Don't file before your employment actually ends or Washington ESD will deny your claim. The waiting week was eliminated during COVID and hasn't been brought back.

Make sure you have all your employment info ready - last employer's name, address, your wages, reason for separation. Washington ESD will ask for all of this during the application process.

Be prepared for potential delays in getting through to Washington ESD if you need to call them. The phone system is overwhelmed most days. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my claim status. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in like 20 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

DONT FILE TOO EARLY!! I made this mistake and filed before my last day thinking I was being proactive. Washington ESD denied my claim and I had to start over. Cost me like 3 weeks of benefits.

The online system at secure.esd.wa.gov is usually pretty straightforward for filing. Just make sure you have a good internet connection and about 30-45 minutes to complete the whole application. Don't rush through it.

Also remember you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Mark your calendar for Sundays - that's when the weekly claims open up.

ugh the timing thing is so confusing. i filed wrong twice before i figured it out

One more tip - if you're getting severance pay, that might affect when you can start collecting unemployment. Washington ESD treats severance differently depending on how it's paid out.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Washington ESD requires you to actively look for work and keep a log of your job search activities.

The whole system is a mess honestly. Took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because of some adjudication issue they never explained properly.

Don't forget to register with WorkSource Washington too. It's required for unemployment benefits and they have job search resources.

Been there. Just remember the key date is your last day of work. Everything else builds from there. File the Sunday after, start weekly claims the following week.

I always tell people to take screenshots of everything when filing. If something goes wrong, you'll want proof of what you submitted and when.

Also be aware that if your claim gets flagged for any reason, it could go into adjudication which can take weeks or even months to resolve.

honestly just prepare for frustration. the system works but its not user friendly and customer service is basically non-existent unless you get lucky

One more thing about Claimyr - they're really helpful if you run into any issues after filing. I had to use them twice, once for my initial claim questions and once when my payments stopped randomly. Both times they got me connected to Washington ESD agents who could actually help.

The waiting is the worst part. Even when everything goes right, it's still like 2-3 weeks before you see any money. Budget accordingly.

Make sure your address is current in all your records. Washington ESD sends important notices by mail and if you miss something it can delay your benefits.

File online if at all possible. The phone system for filing claims is even worse than calling for help. Online is much more reliable.

Good luck! The whole process is stressful but most people do get through it eventually. Just be patient and keep good records of everything.