How much time do you have to file unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Oh wow I didn't know that! So I should file this week then to avoid losing any money?

Yes exactly. The sooner the better. You can file online at esd.wa.gov and it usually takes about 30 minutes to complete the initial application.

Wait there's a one year limit? I thought you could file anytime as long as you qualified.

Yeah it's in the Washington ESD rules somewhere. But honestly who waits a year to file for unemployment anyway lol

This is really helpful info, thank you! I'm going to file today then.

Just make sure you have all your info ready - social security number, employer details, reason for separation, etc. Makes the process go much faster.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically help you navigate the phone system to reach a real person. Worth it if you're having trouble getting through.

That's actually pretty smart. The Washington ESD phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through on.

There's usually a one week waiting period for most claims, plus processing time. It's frustrating but normal.

A week I could understand but 2+ weeks is ridiculous when people need money for rent and food

That's exactly what I was worried about. Better safe than sorry I guess.

You can actually stop and restart your claim if you get called back temporarily, so there's really no reason to wait.

I was laid off due to downsizing so I should be good right?

Yeah layoffs typically qualify. Just be honest about the reason for separation when you file.

Even if you're unsure about eligibility it's worth filing. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify.

Same rules apply regardless of whether you're seasonal or not. File as soon as you're out of work.

I'm in construction too and I file every year in November when things slow down. Never had any issues with timing.

Their website is actually pretty helpful once you figure out how to navigate it. Lots of good info there.

I'll check it out after I submit my claim. Thanks for the pointer!

That's good advice from the employer side. Do you tell people anything else about the unemployment process?

Mainly just to be honest on the application and to file their weekly claims on time once approved. Oh and to keep looking for work since that's required.

I totally get the embarrassment thing but unemployment benefits are something you paid into while working. You earned those benefits.

Yeah I was feeling a bit embarrassed too but you're right, I paid into this system.

It would be this past Sunday since that's the start of the current week. Benefits are always calculated from the Sunday of the week you file.

Perfect, thanks for clarifying that!

4 hours?? That's insane. I would have given up after an hour.

I was desperate for answers and kept thinking I'd get through 'any minute now'. Never again - I'll just use Claimyr next time.

That's good to know. I was worried about filing on a weekend but sounds like it doesn't matter.

Nope, their system processes applications 24/7. Just file whenever you can.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm convinced - filing my claim right now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope it gets approved quickly.

Make sure to file your weekly claims on time once you're approved. That's just as important as filing the initial claim quickly.

Good tip! I'll grab those before I start the application.

Also have your employer's contact info including their unemployment insurance account number if you have it. Speeds up the process.

Agreed. Most of the problems I see people have come from overthinking things or waiting too long to take action.

The system itself is okay, it's just getting through on the phone when you have questions that's nearly impossible without help.

Glad it helped someone else too! Let's both get our claims filed and hopefully approved quickly.

Love seeing people help each other out with this stuff. The unemployment process can be stressful but having good info makes it so much easier.

Message received loud and clear! Filing right now. Thanks again everyone!

Good luck! Hope your claim gets approved without any issues.