How soon to apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD after job loss?

Thanks! I wasn't sure if filing while still technically employed would cause issues.

Yeah definitely file ASAP. The waiting week means you won't get paid for your first week anyway, but you want to establish your claim date.

I tried calling this morning and couldn't get through after 45 minutes on hold.

The phone system is brutal. I used claimyr.com last month when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD - they have a service that calls for you and connects you to an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out if I can't get through online.

Good to know, I'll try the online application first.

What if I'm not sure about my final paycheck amount yet? Should I wait until I receive it?

No don't wait! You can estimate and update it later. The important thing is getting your claim filed. Washington ESD will verify your wages anyway.

Oh no, how much did it cost you?

About $800 because I lost two weeks of potential benefits. The benefit year is fixed once you file.

Ouch, that's exactly why everyone says file right away. The system doesn't backdate benefits.

You can work part-time and still collect unemployment, but you need to report all wages on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on what you earn.

Right, and you still need to be actively looking for full-time work and meet the job search requirements even if you're working part-time.

try clearing your browser cache, that usually fixes the login issues

If you keep having issues, that's another situation where Claimyr can help - they can file claims over the phone for you when the online system isn't working.

18 months? I've only been at this job for 8 months, do I need info from my previous job too?

Yes, Washington ESD needs your complete work history for the base period to calculate your benefit amount. Bring W-2s or pay stubs if you have them.

What counts as a job contact? Just applying online or do I need to do more?

Online applications count, but also networking contacts, calling employers, attending job fairs. Keep detailed records of everything.

That's reassuring, thank you. I was worried about filing too early or too late.

That's because of all the adjudication delays. If there's any question about your eligibility they put your claim on hold for weeks.

Yep, and good luck getting someone on the phone to explain what's going on. I was on hold for 3 hours yesterday before giving up.

Not union, but good to know for others reading this.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - they handle all the calling for you and actually get through to agents. Saved me so much frustration.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it would be expensive.

It's actually pretty reasonable considering the time it saves. Way better than spending entire days trying to call.

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

You'll get instructions after your initial claim is processed. Usually you can start filing weekly claims within a few days of applying.

Great advice, I'll definitely do that. Thanks everyone for all the help!

Good luck with your claim! The first time filing can be nerve-wracking but once you get through the initial process it gets easier.