How soon after losing job can you file for unemployment in Washington?

You can file immediately! Don't wait - there's no waiting period to submit your initial claim. Go to esd.wa.gov and start your application as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed.

File as soon as you can but be prepared for the process to take time. Your first payable week starts the Sunday after you file, so if you filed today your waiting week would begin this coming Sunday. Make sure you have all your employment info ready - social security number, employer details, reason for separation, etc.

I filed the day after I got fired and it took 3 weeks to get approved because of adjudication. Even though you can file right away, doesn't mean you'll get benefits right away. My advice is file immediately but also start looking for other ways to get through financially because Washington ESD is SLOW.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to them. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still pending! I didn't know this and missed filing for 2 weeks while waiting for approval. You can't backdate those weekly claims.

just wanted to say file asap dont wait!! i waited like 4 days thinking i needed to get my head together first and those 4 days cost me money

One more thing - when you file, make sure you have your separation information accurate. If you were laid off due to lack of work, make sure that's what you put down. If there's any question about misconduct or quitting, that can trigger adjudication which delays your benefits.

the website can be really slow especially on sundays when everyone is filing their weekly claims but dont give up keep trying

I filed the same day I got terminated and my claim was approved within a week. The key is having all your information ready - previous employer addresses, dates of employment, gross wages, etc. The more complete your application, the faster it processes.

Washington ESD is backed up like crazy right now. Even if you file immediately, expect delays. I filed 6 weeks ago and still waiting for adjudication to complete. The system is overwhelmed.

Don't forget you'll need to do job search activities once your claim is approved. Washington requires 3 job search contacts per week and you have to log them in the system.

Filed mine 2 days after getting laid off and got my first payment 10 days later. No issues, no adjudication, just smooth sailing. Sometimes the system works like it's supposed to!

Make sure you have your banking info ready for direct deposit. Paper checks take longer and can get lost in the mail. Set up direct deposit right away when you file.

I'm dealing with the same situation right now. Got laid off Monday and filed Tuesday. Still waiting to hear back but at least I know I filed as soon as possible. This thread is really helpful!

Just to add - if you get any correspondence from Washington ESD, respond immediately. Don't let anything sit in your account. Any delays in responding can hold up your claim.

The washington esd website has a checklist of what you need before filing. Really helpful to have everything ready. Also create your SecureAccess Washington account first if you dont have one.

Update on my situation - finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Turns out my employer never responded to their request for information, which was holding up my claim. Now I know what's going on at least.

Bottom line - file immediately, don't wait. Have your info ready, file weekly claims religiously, and respond to any requests right away. The system has its problems but following these basics helps avoid most issues.

Good luck OP! Hope your claim goes through without any problems. This community is great for support when dealing with Washington ESD issues.

One last tip - screenshot everything! Your confirmation numbers, any correspondence, weekly claim submissions. If something goes wrong you'll have proof of what you did and when.