How many days to file for unemployment with Washington ESD after job loss?

So there's no waiting period at all? I thought there might be some kind of grace period or something.

Nope, no waiting period for filing. There IS a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, but that's different from when you can actually submit your application.

Oh no, really? So if I wait too long I can't get benefits for those weeks I waited?

exactly. your claim effective date is when you file, not when you lost your job. so if you wait a month, you lose a month of potential benefits

That's helpful about the Sunday thing. I was wondering about that timing.

Wait, so I could technically file a year later? That seems weird. Why would anyone wait that long?

Most people wouldn't wait that long, but the law allows it for unusual circumstances. Maybe someone was trying other options first, or didn't realize they were eligible. But again, you'd lose all those weeks of potential benefits.

Is that legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legitimate. They don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get through the phone queue to talk to a real Washington ESD person. I was desperate after trying to call for three days straight.

I used something similar when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human to get things moving.

Makes sense. I'll do it tonight after work... well, after looking for work I guess!

lol yeah the job search requirements start right away too so get ready for that fun

I'm not getting severance, just my final paycheck. So I should be good to file immediately?

Yes, if it's just your regular final paycheck you're fine to file immediately. Severance is different because it's considered wages and can delay when benefits start.

This is confusing. How do they decide what counts as severance vs regular pay?

Oh great, now I'm worried about technical issues. Did you eventually get it sorted out?

Yeah eventually but it took forever. Had to call multiple times. The system is just overloaded constantly.

This is exactly why I ended up using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. Couldn't deal with the constant busy signals.

File whenever you can. The system is available 24/7 online, and your claim effective date will be the Sunday of that week regardless of which day you actually submit it.

Perfect, thanks! I wasn't sure if there were business day requirements or something.

That's really helpful coming from someone who deals with this professionally. I feel more confident about filing right away now.

What about temporary layoffs? My company does seasonal layoffs and brings people back. Should we still file immediately?

Yes, even for temporary layoffs you should file. You can report when you return to work. Don't assume you'll be back quickly - things change and you don't want to lose potential benefits.

Harsh but probably true. I'll get my application in tonight.

I don't think my employer will contest it since it was a layoff due to lack of work, but good point about getting ahead of potential issues.

Even with layoffs, some employers contest claims to keep their unemployment tax rates low. Better safe than sorry.

I appreciate the honesty. It's definitely humbling but I need the income while I look for something new.

there's no shame in using a system you paid into. your employer paid unemployment taxes on your wages specifically for this situation

Good to hear another confirmation about that service. I'll keep it in mind if I have issues.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm convinced - filing tonight for sure.

Good luck with your claim! Remember to keep track of your job search activities from day one since you'll need to report them on your weekly claims.