How soon should I file for unemployment with Washington ESD after job loss?

That makes sense, thank you! I was worried about filing too early but sounds like sooner is better.

This is correct - I waited a week to file thinking I needed more time to gather documents and regretted it. The sooner you file with Washington ESD the better.

Good to know about the waiting period - I thought maybe I should wait that week out before filing but sounds like I should file now.

Wait, is there still a waiting period? I thought they eliminated that during COVID?

The waiting period is back as of 2023. It was temporarily waived during the pandemic but Washington ESD reinstated it.

Never heard of that service but if it helps get through to Washington ESD it might be worth checking out. Their phone system is definitely frustrating.

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

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not sitting on hold for hours. Much better than spending entire days trying to get through on your own.

Thanks for the tip about morning filing - I'll try to get on early tomorrow.

18 months? I thought it was just the last year they needed for employment history.

they ask for 18 months to make sure they have enough wage history to calculate your benefit amount properly

That's helpful context - so the timing affects the benefit year but not necessarily the amount I'll get.

This is getting confusing with all the quarters and base periods. Is there a simple way to understand this?

Think of it this way - they look at your wages from about 5-17 months ago to calculate benefits. Recent wages don't count, which is why filing timing doesn't change the benefit amount much.

Same here! Better to file imperfectly than not file at all.

Exactly - you can always correct information later if needed. Washington ESD allows updates to your claim.

Thanks for the encouragement. Going to file this afternoon.

Washington ESD generally doesn't allow backdating unless you have a valid reason for the delay in filing. Your claim typically starts from the Sunday of the week you file.

Good to know - another reason to file ASAP then.

There are some exceptions for backdating but you'd need to show good cause for why you couldn't file earlier. Better to just file right away.

Yeah, seems like everyone is saying the same thing - file immediately.

Sometimes the obvious answer is the right answer. File now, figure out details later.

That's a good point - filing doesn't lock you into anything, it just starts the process in case you need it.

Exactly. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Plus if you do get called back, you might get laid off again later and already have an active claim.

Good reminder about the weekly claims - I'll need to set a reminder to do that.

Sunday is usually the best day to file your weekly claim since that's when the system resets.

Phone interview? Is that normal for all claims?

Not always, but they sometimes do eligibility interviews if they need clarification about your job separation. Nothing to worry about if you were laid off through no fault of your own.

I had one of those interviews too - just basic questions about why I lost my job and whether I'm able and available to work.

Good advice - I should start tracking my job search activities from day one.

The job search requirements are no joke. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

Seems like multiple people have had success with that service. Might be worth trying if I run into issues.

I'm skeptical of paying for something that should be free, but if it actually works to reach Washington ESD then maybe it's worth it.

I was skeptical too but after spending 6 hours on hold over two days with no success, paying for help seemed reasonable. Got through in 15 minutes.

Thanks for that perspective - I do feel a bit guilty about filing but you're right that it's what the system is for.

This is important to remember. Unemployment insurance is insurance - you're not taking a handout, you're claiming benefits you're entitled to.

That timeline is helpful to know - thanks for sharing your experience.

Two weeks seems pretty fast for Washington ESD. I think I waited longer than that.

This was just a few months ago, and I think I got lucky with no adjudication issues. Simple layoff, clear documentation, no complications.

Simple but true - nothing to lose by filing. Going to do it today.

Exactly. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

Good tip - I'll have my bank account info ready when I file later today.

The debit card option isn't bad either though. Some people prefer it for budgeting purposes.

Will do! Planning to file this afternoon and I'll report back on how the process goes.

Good luck! The online system is pretty straightforward once you get started.

Glad it helped you too! Definitely feeling more confident about filing now.

Same here. Sometimes you just need to hear from people who've been through it before.

I'll keep that in mind in case I need help reaching Washington ESD later in the process. Thanks for the recommendation.

Good to have options when dealing with Washington ESD. Their phone system can be really frustrating when you need help.

Agreed - thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Filing today!