How long until you can claim unemployment in Washington - when can I file?

Thanks! So I should go ahead and file today then? I wasn't sure if there was some kind of cooling off period or something.

Yes, file today if possible. The waiting week starts from when you file, not from when you lost your job.

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you have any issues with your employer or was it a straightforward layoff?

Totally straightforward layoff due to company downsizing. No idea why it's taking so long.

If you're stuck in adjudication and can't get through to Washington ESD, try Claimyr.com - they help people actually reach agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Wait, so if I file today I won't get paid for this week at all? Even if I'm approved right away?

Correct. The first week is always unpaid - it's called the waiting week. Your first payment would be for week 2, assuming you're approved and file your weekly claims.

What kind of paperwork were you waiting for? I don't think my employer gave me anything special.

i thought i needed like a termination letter or something but turns out you just need basic info like dates and reason for separation

Do I need pay stubs or anything like that when I first file?

No, pay stubs aren't required for the initial filing. Washington ESD will verify your wages with your employers directly.

This is super helpful - I've been putting off filing because I thought I needed all this documentation.

Is the online system pretty straightforward? I'm not super tech-savvy.

Yes, it walks you through each step. Just take your time and have all your employer information handy before you start.

How exact do they need to be? I'm not sure of the exact day I started my last job, just the month.

You need exact dates. Check your old pay stubs or contact HR if you're not sure. Incorrect dates can delay your claim.

Benefit weeks run Sunday through Saturday in Washington. So if you file on Friday, that partial week would be your waiting week.

Got it, thanks. So I should definitely file today then rather than waiting until Sunday.

How does Claimyr work exactly? Is it legit?

Yeah it's totally legit. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Saved me so much time and frustration.

I was skeptical at first too but honestly after trying to call Washington ESD myself dozens of times, paying someone to actually get through was worth it.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

In Washington it's 3 job search activities per week. This can include applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records.

wait what?? nobody told me about job search requirements when i filed...

That's so frustrating that it's so inconsistent. Is there anything specific that causes delays?

Common delay causes include: separation issues (if employer contests), identity verification problems, wage discrepancies, or if you worked in multiple states recently.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit my initial application?

You'll get instructions after filing your initial claim. Usually you start filing weekly claims the Sunday after you apply, even if you haven't been approved yet.

I totally get it. The uncertainty is the worst part when you're already dealing with job loss stress.

Yeah, I'm already anxious about whether I'll get approved and how long it will take.

I didn't know there was a live chat option! That's really helpful.

The live chat is hit or miss though. Sometimes it's helpful, sometimes they just tell you to call. But worth trying first.

That's encouraging! Did you have any issues during the process or was it pretty straightforward?

Pretty straightforward. Just had to verify my identity online and then it was approved. The hardest part was being patient during the waiting period.

Thanks everyone! I'm going to file right now. This thread has been super helpful in understanding the process.

Good luck! Remember to keep track of all your job search activities starting immediately.