How soon after layoff can I file for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So I should wait until the Sunday after my layoff date to start the application process?

Exactly. The Sunday after your last day of work is when you can file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website.

What kind of employment info do I need exactly? Just pay stubs or something more detailed?

You'll need your employer's info, your wages for the past 18 months if possible, and the exact reason for separation. They'll verify everything with your employer anyway.

Never heard of that service before. Did it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked great. I was able to get my questions answered about my claim status instead of calling hundreds of times myself.

Might need to look into that if I run into problems filing my claim.

Actually, you need to wait until the Sunday after your last day of work. Filing too early can cause problems with your claim.

oh i thought you could file right away, my bad

Wait, so if I get laid off Friday but file the next Sunday, do I lose out on benefits for those two days?

No, you can't get benefits for days you were still employed. Benefits start from your benefit year begin date, which is the Sunday you file.

This is confusing. I thought you got benefits for the whole week you were unemployed.

So I file the initial claim once, then file weekly claims after that? How long do I have to keep doing the weekly claims?

Correct. You file weekly claims as long as you're unemployed and eligible, up to 26 weeks typically. Each weekly claim asks about your job search activities and any work you did that week.

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

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, updating your resume - there's a list on the Washington ESD website. Keep detailed records of everything.

I got disqualified once for not doing enough job search activities. Had to appeal and it took forever to get reinstated.

That's what I'm worried about - what if I mess something up and need to call them?

The online system catches most errors, but yeah calling can be a nightmare. I've heard people have good luck with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier if you really need to reach an agent.

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim?

You might lose that week's benefits permanently. Washington ESD doesn't always let you go back and file late claims.

This happened to my brother - he missed one week and lost $400 in benefits.

Good idea! I'll do that this week so it's ready when I need it.

Yes! And write down your login info somewhere safe. I got locked out of my account and it was a hassle to reset.

47 times?! That's crazy. There has to be a better way.

Yeah, that's when I tried Claimyr. Wish I'd known about it sooner - would have saved me hours of redialing.

Definitely keeping that service in mind if I run into issues.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

It's when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits. Most claims don't go into adjudication, but it can happen.

Mine was in adjudication for 3 weeks just because my employer took forever to respond to Washington ESD's request for information.

Good suggestion. I'll check out their website this weekend to get familiar with everything.

The Washington ESD YouTube channel has some helpful videos too if you prefer watching to reading.

That makes sense. Better to have the safety net in place even if I don't end up needing it for long.

Exactly. I waited two weeks thinking I'd find something fast and ended up regretting it when my job search took 4 months.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! This has been super helpful. I feel much more prepared now.

Good luck with everything! The whole process is less scary once you get started.