How often do you certify for unemployment with Washington ESD weekly claims?

Okay so it's literally every week then? I thought maybe it was every two weeks like some other states do.

Yep, Washington ESD requires weekly certification. You have until Saturday night to file for the previous week, but I always do it Sunday mornings to stay on schedule.

What if I do some gig work like DoorDash? Do I have to report that too even if it's just like $50?

yes report ALL income, even $10. washington esd will reduce your weekly benefit amount but you can still get partial benefits usually

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found them when I was having the same problem - couldn't get through to Washington ESD no matter what. They have this service where they'll call for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com, there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit, I used it twice. They basically handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

That's what I was worried about. So if I go on vacation for a week, I still need to file but I wouldn't get paid for that week since I wasn't available for work?

Correct. You'd still file the weekly claim but answer 'no' to being available for work. You won't get benefits for that week but you maintain your claim status.

Wait, I thought you could get benefits while on vacation if you were still looking for work?

No, you have to be available to accept work immediately. If you're out of state or unavailable, you don't qualify for that week's benefits.

Honestly yeah, it's not very user-friendly. I almost missed my first week because I didn't realize you had to wait until Sunday to file for the previous week.

EXACTLY! And then when you call to ask questions you can't get through to anyone. It's like they want you to fail.

Good idea about the reminder. How long does it usually take to get the payment after you file?

usually 2-3 business days if you have direct deposit set up. longer if they mail you a check

There are confirmation emails? I haven't gotten any yet, should I be worried?

You should get one after each weekly claim submission. Check your spam folder, sometimes they end up there.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do I need to call companies too?

Online applications count, but you need to keep detailed records - company name, position, date, how you applied. I keep a spreadsheet with everything.

I just write everything down in a notebook. Had to provide my job search log once and they accepted it.

That's when services like Claimyr come in handy. I used them when my claim got stuck in adjudication for no reason. Saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own.

Yeah I've heard good things about that service. Wish I'd known about it during my first unemployment claim when I was calling Washington ESD for hours every day.

You lose that week's benefits. The system locks you out after Saturday night and there's no way to file for previous weeks retroactively.

Wow that's harsh. Good thing I asked before I found out the hard way.

Okay that makes me feel better, I was worried one mistake would end everything.

nah your claim stays open as long as you dont miss too many weeks in a row. but still, just set that reminder!

That's a good way to think about it. I was comparing it to my old paycheck schedule too.

Or try Saturday evening - I've never had issues filing on Saturday nights.

Good point, I always forget you can file Saturday too.

Really? I thought any work would disqualify you completely.

Nope! Washington ESD has a formula where they reduce your benefits based on your earnings, but you can still get partial payments. It's actually encouraged because it helps you transition back to full-time work.

Thanks everyone, this has been super helpful. I feel way less anxious about the whole process now.

That's what this community is for! We've all been there with the unemployment stress.