How to backdate unemployment claim - Washington ESD missed weeks

Yes, you can request backdating but Washington ESD requires good cause. You'll need to show why you didn't file earlier - like lack of knowledge about the program, illness, or other circumstances beyond your control. You have to request it during your initial claim or within a reasonable time after.

What counts as good cause? I honestly just didn't know I could apply for unemployment benefits right after losing my job.

Not knowing about the program can be good cause, especially if you're a first-time filer. You'll need to explain this when you request the backdate.

i tried to get mine backdated last year and it took forever to get through to someone at washington esd to even ask about it. kept getting busy signals and getting hung up on

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it when I had issues with my claim status and actually got connected to someone within an hour. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

never heard of that, is it legit? kinda skeptical of paying for something that should be free

It's totally legit - they don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get through the phone maze. Check out claimyr.com if you want to see for yourself.

You need to specifically request backdating when you speak to an adjudicator. It won't happen automatically. The maximum backdate is usually 4 weeks from when you first contact Washington ESD, but they can go further back with proper documentation of good cause.

How do I request it? Is there a form or do I have to call?

You have to call and speak to someone. There's no online form for backdating requests. Be prepared to explain your circumstances in detail.

THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!!! Washington ESD makes everything impossible. I've been trying to get my claim backdated for 3 weeks now and can't get through to anyone. The system is completely broken.

I feel your pain. Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? Sometimes that works better.

8am calling is a myth, everyone tries that. I had better luck using Claimyr to get through. Worth checking out if you're desperate.

Important note: even if you get approval for backdating, you still need to meet all the regular UI requirements for those weeks. That means you were able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and had no disqualifying income.

Wait, so I need to prove I was job searching during weeks I didn't even know I could get unemployment?

Exactly. You'll need to document your job search activities for each week you want backdated. Keep records of applications, interviews, etc.

Just went through this process last month. Got 5 weeks backdated but had to provide a detailed explanation and proof of job search activities. Take notes on everything you did to look for work during those missed weeks.

How long did the backdating approval take once you requested it?

Took about 2 weeks after I spoke to an adjudicator. They had to review my case and documentation. Be patient but persistent.

make sure you keep filing your weekly claims while waiting for the backdate decision. dont skip any weeks or youll create more problems for yourself

Good point, I'll make sure to stay current with my weekly filings.

The key is having a legitimate reason for the delay. Medical issues, family emergencies, or genuinely not knowing about unemployment benefits are usually accepted. 'I forgot' or 'I was too busy' won't cut it.

What if you were dealing with the shock of job loss and depression? Would that count as good cause?

Possibly, especially if you have medical documentation. Mental health issues can definitely be valid reasons for delayed filing.

Remember that backdated benefits still have the same weekly benefit amount. You're not getting extra money, just claiming weeks you were eligible for but didn't file.

That's fine, I just want to get what I was entitled to from the beginning.

Had a similar situation. The trick is being very specific about why you didn't file earlier. I explained that my previous employer gave me conflicting information about when I could apply, and Washington ESD accepted that as good cause.

That's smart - employer misinformation is definitely something they should accept as good cause.

If your initial claim gets approved but they deny the backdate request, you can appeal that decision separately. Don't give up if they say no the first time.

Good to know there's an appeal option. How long do you have to appeal a backdate denial?

Usually 30 days from the date of the denial notice, but check the letter they send you for the exact deadline.

Pro tip: when you finally get through to Washington ESD, have all your documentation ready. Dates of job applications, interview records, anything that shows you were actively seeking work during the weeks you want backdated.

I kept some emails from job applications, hopefully that's enough documentation.

Email records are perfect. Print them out or save screenshots with dates clearly visible.

Washington ESD is really strict about this stuff since the pandemic. They cracked down on backdating because of all the fraud issues, so make sure your reason is rock solid.

Yeah, they're definitely more careful now. But legitimate cases still get approved if you provide proper documentation.

One thing to watch out for - if you had any income during those weeks you want backdated, even small amounts, you'll need to report it. Better to be upfront about everything.

I did some freelance work during one of those weeks. Should I still request backdating for the other weeks?

Yes, just report the freelance income for that specific week. It might reduce your benefit for that week but won't disqualify the whole backdate request.

Success story here - got 4 weeks backdated after explaining I was caring for a sick family member and didn't realize I could still file for unemployment. Key was having medical records showing the family member's condition.

That gives me hope! Sounds like they're reasonable if you have a legitimate situation.

They are, but you need to be thorough with your explanation and documentation. Don't leave anything to chance.

Check your eServices account regularly after requesting the backdate. Sometimes they'll post updates or requests for additional information there before calling you.

Good tip, I'll make sure to log in daily to check for updates.

Final advice - if you get approved for backdating, those benefit payments usually come in one lump sum. Don't spend it all at once thinking it's extra money. Budget it out like you would have received it weekly.

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm going to try calling Washington ESD tomorrow morning with all my documentation ready.

If you can't get through, seriously consider trying Claimyr. I know I mentioned it earlier but it really does work for getting connected to an actual person at Washington ESD.

I went through this exact same situation last year. The key is being persistent and having your story straight. I was able to get 5 weeks backdated by explaining that I was overwhelmed after my layoff and didn't know unemployment was available immediately. Make sure you document everything - job search activities, any conversations with former employers, even LinkedIn searches count as job seeking activity. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to note in your file exactly what you discussed and get a reference number if possible. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me but I eventually got those backdated payments. Don't give up!