How soon can I apply for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Thanks! That's a relief. I was worried I'd have to wait a week or something. Going to file today then.

Yes definitely file ASAP. I made the mistake of waiting 2 weeks thinking I needed to and lost out on those benefit weeks.

Thanks! So I should go ahead and file today then? Do I need any specific documents or can I just use my last paystub?

Yes, file today. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and info about your employer. Having your last paystub helps but isn't required to start the application.

Do I need exact addresses or will approximate ones work? I worked at a couple different locations for the same company.

Exact addresses are better if you have them, but approximate should be fine. Washington ESD can verify with the employers during processing.

I've only had this one job for the past 2 years, so that should be straightforward. Do they verify this info with the employer?

Yes, they'll verify with your employer. That's part of why claims sometimes go into adjudication if there are discrepancies or if the employer disputes something.

Yeah the phone lines are brutal. I've been trying for days. Actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - check out claimyr.com. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get through to a real person. Worth it if you need to talk to someone urgently.

How does that work exactly? I've never heard of using a service to call Washington ESD.

They basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to an agent. Super helpful when you can't get through on your own, which happens a lot with Washington ESD's phone system.

Interesting, might need to look into that if I run into issues. The phone lines are definitely a nightmare.

Good point. I was worried about whether being laid off vs fired makes a difference but figure I should just apply and let them decide.

Laid off is usually fine for unemployment. Fired for misconduct is trickier but still worth applying - they'll investigate and make a determination.

Good to know, I was second-guessing myself about filing so quickly. Glad I asked here first.

What kind of documentation did they ask for? Trying to prepare myself.

pay stubs mostly and some form about why i left my job. nothing too crazy just annoying

This is so true! I spent 3 hours one Monday trying to get through the site just to file my weekly claim.

Exactly! Timing is everything with the Washington ESD website. Weekends are usually better too.

So I won't get paid for this week even if I file today?

Correct, you typically don't get paid for the week you file. Benefits start the following week assuming you're approved and meet all requirements.

Wait I thought they got rid of the waiting week? I'm confused now.

Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement in 2023, so you should be able to get benefits for the week you file if you're eligible. @profile2 might be thinking of the old rules.

3 weeks?! How are you managing financially during that time?

It's rough. Living off savings and borrowed money from family. The system is just backed up I guess.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to someone - needed to check on my adjudication status and couldn't wait weeks for a response. Sometimes talking to a real person can help move things along.

What's standby status? Is that something I should apply for?

Standby is for temporary layoffs where you expect to be called back to work within a specific timeframe. If your layoff is permanent, regular UI is what you want.

Wait, so I could lose benefits by waiting? That's scary, I'm definitely filing today.

Exactly. You can't backdate claims in most cases, so file as soon as you're unemployed through no fault of your own.

Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out before I start the application.

Good advice. I was planning to take a few days to decompress but you're right, better to stay active.

Yeah the job search requirement is no joke. They can ask for your job search log at any time and if you don't have it, you could lose benefits.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week? I've heard different numbers.

It's usually 3 job search activities per week, but check the requirements when you file. Activities can include applying for jobs, networking, or attending job fairs.

They changed this recently I think. Best to check the current requirements on the Washington ESD site.

That's encouraging! Hoping my experience goes as smoothly as yours did.

You got lucky! Mine took 6 weeks because of some issue with my employer's response to the separation notice.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. Not worth the risk of getting in trouble later.

Good to know! I'll keep that in mind if I run into problems.

Can you explain what those mean? This is all new to me.

Monetary determination is about whether you earned enough wages to qualify for benefits. Eligibility determination is about whether you're unemployed through no fault of your own and meet other criteria.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like we're both learning this process together.

Same boat here. This thread has been super informative. Going to file my claim today.

6 weeks?! What was the adjudication about?

something about my employer disputing my layoff reason. took forever to resolve and I couldn't reach anyone by phone to explain

Thanks! I was planning to file online anyway since I'm pretty comfortable with computers.

Good choice. Just make sure to save or print your confirmation number. You'll need it if there are any issues later.

3 weeks seems pretty standard from what I'm hearing. At least you didn't lose any potential benefit weeks.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit my initial application?

Yes, you should be able to file your first weekly claim within a day or two of filing your initial claim. The system will tell you when.

This is important! I missed my second weekly claim and it caused all sorts of problems with my payments.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm getting the message loud and clear - file today!

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

Worth checking out their site for current pricing. For me it was worth it to avoid weeks of trying to get through on my own.

Good to hear from someone who sees this from the employer side too. Definitely convinced me to file today.

No severance in my case, just got walked out yesterday with my final paycheck. So I should be good to file right away.

Perfect, then you're all set. File today and start those weekly claims as soon as the system lets you.

Alright, I'm convinced! Heading to the Washington ESD website right now to get this started. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Good luck! The process can be frustrating but it's worth it when those payments start coming in.

Will do! I'll post an update once I get through the initial filing process.