How many days do you have to file unemployment with Washington ESD?

You should file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's no specific 'deadline' per se, but your benefit year starts from when you file your initial claim, not when you became unemployed. So every week you wait is potentially money you're leaving on the table.

I made the mistake of waiting 3 weeks after I got fired because I thought I might find something quick. Big mistake - lost out on 3 weeks of benefits because Washington ESD doesn't backdate claims unless there's extraordinary circumstances.

The sooner the better is the rule. I've been through this process twice and both times I filed within 2-3 days of my last day of work. Here's what you need to know: Washington ESD processes claims based on when you file, not when you became unemployed. Your waiting week (the first week you're eligible but don't get paid) starts immediately, so delaying just pushes everything back.

I had a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about filing deadlines. Spent literally hours on hold multiple times. If you're having trouble reaching them, I 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.

Just to add - make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file. Last employer info, wages from the past 18 months, etc. The system won't let you save a partial application so you need everything upfront.

The real answer is file ASAP but realistically you're fine if you file within the first week or two. I've seen people file a month later and still get approved, they just lose out on those initial weeks of benefits.

This whole system is designed to discourage people from filing. Make it confusing, make the deadlines unclear, make it hard to reach anyone for help. It's all intentional.

One important thing to remember - your claim needs to be filed before you can submit your first weekly claim. So if you file on a Tuesday, you can't submit your first weekly claim until the following Sunday (for the week that just ended). The timing matters for getting your payments on schedule.

just file today dont overthink it. took me 20 minutes online.

Quick tip: file your claim on Sunday through Wednesday if possible. Thursday and Friday tend to be heavier traffic days and the system can be slower. Also, if you run into any issues with your claim, filing earlier in the week gives you more time to resolve problems before the weekend.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA too if you haven't already. It's required for maintaining eligibility for unemployment benefits in Washington.

I waited almost 2 months to file because I was embarrassed about being unemployed. Stupidest financial decision I ever made. Lost out on over $3000 in benefits that I was entitled to.

Update on the Claimyr thing I mentioned - I used them again last week when I had issues with my job search log and they got me through to someone at Washington ESD in about 10 minutes. Way better than the 2+ hour hold times I was dealing with before.

The bottom line is this - file as soon as you can after becoming unemployed. Every week you wait is a week of benefits you can't get back. Washington ESD doesn't make exceptions for 'I was too busy' or 'I thought I'd find a job quickly.

Also remember that your benefit amount is calculated based on wages from a specific time period (base period). Filing sooner rather than later ensures you're using the most favorable base period for your calculation.

One more thing - if you're filing online, make sure you have a stable internet connection and don't use public wifi. I lost my application halfway through because the coffee shop wifi crapped out and had to start over.

I see people asking about Claimyr - I used them too when Washington ESD kept hanging up on me during the adjudication process. It's legit and actually works. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get answers.

The sooner you file, the sooner you can start your job search requirements too. Washington requires you to make a certain number of job contacts each week, and you need to track them. Getting started early gives you more time to establish a good routine.

Final advice from someone who's been through this multiple times - file immediately, keep detailed records of everything, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. The system can be confusing but the benefits are there if you follow the rules.

Just want to echo what others have said - there's really no benefit to waiting to file. Even if you think you might find work quickly, you can always stop filing weekly claims if you get a job. But you can't go back and claim weeks you didn't file for.