How to claim unemployment benefits in Washington - complete step by step guide needed

Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after being laid off before I can file? Or should I do it immediately?

File as soon as possible! Your benefit year starts the week you file, not the week you lost your job. Waiting just costs you money.

What happens if I miss filing a weekly claim? Can I go back and file it later?

You can file late weekly claims but only within a certain timeframe. It's much better to just file on time every week. Set a reminder on your phone.

I missed two weeks once and it was a nightmare trying to fix it. Washington ESD made me provide documentation for why I missed filing. Just don't miss them.

Is that service legit? Seems too good to be true.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to someone in like 20 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hours of calling.

Good to know this exists! I'll probably need to call them at some point.

What counts as a valid job search contact? Is just applying online enough?

Applying online counts, but you need the employer name, position, date, and method of contact. Networking events, career fairs, and informational interviews also count.

I got audited last year and they wanted EVERYTHING. Screenshots of applications, email confirmations, the whole nine yards. Keep good records!

What exactly is adjudication? Should I be worried if that happens?

Adjudication is when they need to investigate something about your claim - usually the reason you lost your job or eligibility issues. It's normal but frustrating.

My adjudication took FOREVER. I ended up using Claimyr to get through and ask about the status. The rep was able to tell me exactly what was holding it up.

What if I have a job interview that conflicts with a potential work offer? Do I need to report that?

You should generally be available for work, but having interviews is actually a good thing for your job search requirement. Just be honest on your weekly claims.

Three weeks is pretty normal unfortunately. If you need to check on the status, definitely try calling. That's where services like Claimyr really help - gets you to a real person who can look up your claim.

I'll try that. This is so stressful, I have bills to pay!

Hang in there. Once it gets approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you filed. It's worth the wait.

That's really smart advice. I wouldn't have thought of that.

YES! I learned this the hard way. Had a weekly claim disappear from the system and screenshots saved me from having to refile everything.

How long does the debit card usually take to arrive?

Mine took about 7-10 business days. Direct deposit is definitely faster once your claim is approved.

What day of the week should I file my weekly claims?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sunday morning so I don't forget.

The week runs Sunday through Saturday, and you're filing for the week that just ended. So on Sunday you file for the previous Sunday-Saturday week.

It depends on the specific reason. If you were fired for misconduct, you might be disqualified. But if it was for poor performance or other non-misconduct reasons, you might still qualify.

it was for attendance issues but I had some medical stuff going on. not sure if that matters

You should definitely file anyway. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Having medical documentation could help your case.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm feeling a bit better about tackling this now.

How much does something like that cost?

I'd rather not get into specific costs, but it was definitely worth it for me. Check their website for current pricing.

How is the weekly amount calculated?

It's based on your earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Washington ESD calculates it automatically when you file.

Wait, so I file for week 1 but don't get paid for it? That's confusing.

Exactly. You still have to file the weekly claim for week 1, but it's unpaid. It's just how the system works in Washington.

Can I set up tax withholding when I file my initial claim?

Yes, there's an option to withhold 10% for federal taxes. I'd recommend doing it so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later.

Good to know! I'll keep that in mind when I'm filing weekly claims.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much more prepared to start the process now.

Good luck! Remember to file that initial claim as soon as possible and then stay on top of your weekly claims. You've got this!

Hopefully I won't need to deal with appeals, but good to know that help is available if needed.