How soon can I collect unemployment after filing with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I should file right away even though I won't get paid for the first week?

Exactly. The sooner you file, the sooner that waiting week is over with.

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about. What does adjudication mean?

Adjudication means they're reviewing your claim for some reason - could be because you quit, got fired, or they need to verify your work history.

yeah mine is because my employer said I was fired for cause but that's total BS

What's a base period? Sorry, I'm completely new to this.

Base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. They use this to calculate your benefit amount and whether you qualify.

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? Sounds too good to be true.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They basically keep calling for you until they get through. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Good to know there's an option if I can't get through. Hopefully I won't need it though.

How do I file weekly claims? Is that different from the initial application?

Yes, after you file your initial claim, you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Two months?! That's terrifying. How did you survive that long without income?

credit cards and help from family. it was rough. hopefully things are better now but who knows

My employer was pretty clear it was a layoff due to budget cuts, so hopefully that helps.

That should definitely help. Make sure you have any paperwork from the layoff to upload if needed.

What counts as job search activities?

applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, interviews, stuff like that. keep track of everything

You can also use WorkSourceWA.com to search for jobs - that counts toward your job search requirement.

Yeah I was planning to do it online. Is it pretty straightforward?

mostly yeah, just have your employment history ready with dates and wages

That's great news! So you got your back pay for all those weeks?

yep, got everything I was owed. such a relief

Glad it worked out! That's exactly why I recommended it - so much easier than the phone runaround.

How do they calculate the exact amount?

It's based on your highest quarter of earnings in the base period. There's a formula but Washington ESD will calculate it for you when you file.

Good point. My boss did say 'maybe in a few months' but I shouldn't count on that.

exactly, file now and if they do call you back later you can always stop the claim

Wait, we do get paid for the waiting week eventually?

Yeah, it gets paid when your claim ends. So if you're on unemployment for a few months, you'll get that week at the end.

Do they call from a specific number or just random numbers?

could be various numbers. I just started answering everything during business hours while my claim was processing

Seems like a lot of people have had success with it. I'll keep it in mind.

Okay I'm convinced, might have to try it for my own claim issues

You're right, I'm probably overthinking it. Going to file today.

good luck! it's really not as scary as it seems

I am getting one week of vacation pay. Will that push back when I can collect?

It might delay your first payment by a week since that vacation pay counts as wages. But still file now to get the process started.

Thanks for the encouragement. I do feel weird about it even though I know I paid into it.

totally normal to feel that way but this is literally what unemployment insurance is for

Smart idea. I'll make sure to document everything.

learned that the hard way when my claim 'disappeared' and I had to refile everything

That's really helpful to know. Gives me a realistic timeline to plan around.

Just remember that's best case scenario. Could be longer if there are any issues with your claim.