How much time do you have to file for unemployment after losing your job Washington ESD

That's really helpful, thank you! So even if I file today (which would be 4 days after my last day of work), my benefits would start from today's date?

Exactly. Your benefit year begins the Sunday of the week you file your initial claim. So the sooner you file, the sooner you can start collecting benefits.

Oof, that's exactly what I was worried about. Thanks for sharing your experience - definitely filing today!

Same thing happened to me. I kept thinking 'I'll find something next week' and then next week became next month. File immediately, people!

I discovered this service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them on my own. They handle the calling and waiting for you - you can check it out at claimyr.com. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made a huge difference for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue.

No, you can't get retroactive benefits for the 3 months you didn't file. Your benefit year starts when you file the claim. However, being fired 'for cause' doesn't automatically disqualify you - it depends on the specific circumstances. You should still file and let Washington ESD make the determination.

damn that sucks about the 3 months but good to know I might still be eligible. gonna file today

Yeah definitely file anyway. 'For cause' is pretty specific and your employer has to prove misconduct. Being bad at your job or not being a good fit usually doesn't count as misconduct.

Adjudication delays are unfortunately common, especially if there are any questions about your separation from employment. 3 weeks isn't unusual but it can be frustrating. Keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication.

I've been doing the weekly claims but it's nerve-wracking not knowing when it'll resolve. I tried calling but can never get through.

That's exactly the situation where Claimyr helped me out. When my claim was in adjudication for over a month, I used their service to actually get through to a human at Washington ESD who could explain what was holding things up. Turned out they just needed one additional document from my employer.

Here's the basic timeline: 1) File initial claim 2) Wait for approval (can take 1-3 weeks) 3) Serve your waiting week (first week you're eligible but don't get paid) 4) Start filing weekly claims every Sunday for the previous week 5) Receive payments if approved and eligible.

So even after approval there's still a waiting week where you don't get paid? That seems like a lot of delays when people need money right away.

Yeah the waiting week is annoying but it's just how the system works. At least once you get through it, payments are usually pretty consistent if you keep filing weekly.

Good point - Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week unless you're on standby with your employer. You need to keep a log and they can audit it at any time.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, skills assessments - there's a list on the Washington ESD website. Each activity needs to be documented with details.

You're absolutely right. I was overthinking it but filing today for sure.

This is the best advice. I waited 2 weeks because I was in denial about being laid off and it was such a stupid decision.

File as soon as you're unemployed, don't wait for Sunday. While benefit weeks run Sunday-Saturday, your claim can be filed any day. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts.

Got it, makes sense. Filing today then!

Temporary recalls can complicate things. You probably needed to reopen your existing claim rather than file a new one. These situations definitely benefit from talking to an actual Washington ESD representative.

That's another scenario where Claimyr was super helpful for me. Complex situations like recalls need human explanation, and getting through to Washington ESD on your own is nearly impossible.

Yeah I spent weeks trying to call them. Finally got through but only after multiple attempts. Would have saved me a lot of stress to have help with that.

File anyway and let Washington ESD make the determination. 'Good cause' for quitting can include things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or major changes to your job. They'll investigate and decide - don't self-select out.

That's reassuring. I quit because of a hostile work environment but wasn't sure if that qualified as good cause.

Hostile work environment can definitely be good cause, especially if you documented it. File the claim and provide all the details when they ask.

Online is usually faster once you get through it. The phone system can have long wait times. If you get stuck on a specific question, you can always call for help with that part.

I guess I'll try online again. Just want to make sure I don't mess up the application.

Take your time with the online application. It's better to be thorough than to rush and make mistakes that could delay your claim.

The online system is available 24/7, but it can be slower during peak times like Sunday afternoons when everyone is filing weekly claims. Early morning or late evening might be faster, but don't let that delay your filing.

Good to know, thanks! I'll try filing tonight after work.

That's encouraging! 4 weeks seems reasonable given everything I'm reading about delays.

Yeah it felt like forever when I was going through it but looking back it wasn't too bad. The key is just filing as soon as possible and being patient with the process.

Good tip! I have my final paystub and layoff letter, should that be enough?

That's a great start. Also helpful to have contact info for HR, your exact last day of work, and gross wages for the past 18 months if you have it.

This whole thread has convinced me. Filing my claim right now. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Good luck with your claim! Remember to file your weekly claims every week and keep looking for work. The system works if you work with it.

Exactly. And don't get discouraged if there are delays or complications - it's unfortunately normal. Just stay on top of it and keep filing weekly.