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

You can file your initial claim the same day you lose your job or become unemployed. There's no waiting period to start the application process. The key is to file as soon as possible because your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you lost your job.

I filed the day after I got terminated and it was fine. The Washington ESD system will ask you about your last day of work and you just put that date in. Being laid off vs fired doesn't change when you can file, but it might affect whether you qualify.

File ASAP! I made the mistake of waiting two weeks thinking I needed to wait and I basically lost two weeks of potential benefits. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed and you can start receiving payments.

Just a heads up - even though you can file right away, it might take several weeks for your claim to get approved and for you to receive your first payment. Don't expect money immediately. But definitely start the process now.

been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and its impossible. if you need to talk to someone about your filing I found this service called claimyr.com that actually got me through to an agent. they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. saved me hours of calling

Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the past 18 months ready before you start filing. The process goes much faster if you have everything organized.

Filed mine three days after getting let go and had no problems. The online system is pretty straightforward. Just answer all the questions honestly and completely.

don't wait!! I waited like a week because I thought I needed to get my final check first and it was a mistake. you lose that week of benefits permanently

One thing to keep in mind - even though you can file immediately, your first payable week is typically the week after you file. So if you file mid-week, that partial week usually isn't payable. But still file as soon as possible.

I was laid off on a Friday and filed that same day. Had my first weekly claim ready to file the following Sunday. The key is just getting that initial claim in the system ASAP.

Washington ESD is pretty good about processing claims quickly if there are no issues. Being laid off instead of fired should help avoid complications. Just make sure all your info is accurate when you file.

Pro tip: have your bank account info ready too if you want direct deposit. It's much faster than waiting for a debit card or check in the mail.

Just remember you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Don't just file the initial claim and forget about it. Set a reminder for every Sunday.

honestly the whole system is confusing but filing right away is definitely the right move. I waited almost a week and regretted it. Even if you're not sure about something, file first and ask questions later

If you run into any problems reaching Washington ESD by phone during the process, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I was stuck in adjudication hell and couldn't get through to anyone for weeks. They got me connected to an actual person who cleared up my issue.

The bottom line is file TODAY. Don't overthink it, don't wait for anything. The sooner you get your claim in the system, the sooner you can start the whole process. You've got nothing to lose by filing immediately.

Also worth mentioning - if you do temp or part-time work while collecting unemployment, you can still potentially get benefits. Just make sure to report all wages on your weekly claims. Don't let that stop you from filing your initial claim.

took me 6 weeks to get my first payment after filing but that was during covid when everything was backed up. should be faster now but still file immediately to start the clock ticking

One last thing - make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start receiving benefits. You'll need to log your job search activities every week. But don't worry about that for filing your initial claim.

Seriously just file now. I've seen too many people overthink this and lose weeks of potential benefits. The worst thing that happens is they ask for more information later. The best thing is you get your claim started immediately.