How to get unclaimed unemployment benefits from Washington ESD - missed weeks

Yes, you can potentially get those missed weeks if you have good cause for not filing. You'll need to call Washington ESD and explain why you stopped filing weekly claims. They'll determine if your reason qualifies for backdating. Make sure you have documentation about your temporary job dates.

I had a similar situation last year. You need to request what's called 'backdating' for those missed weeks. But fair warning - getting through to Washington ESD by phone is nearly impossible. I tried calling for weeks before I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get connected to an actual agent who processed my backdate request. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The key thing is you're still within your benefit year, so you have options. You'll need to file a request for backdating and provide documentation for why you didn't file those weekly claims. Washington ESD will review each week individually to determine if you were eligible during that time period.

this is exactly what happened to me!! except i waited too long and my benefit year expired. dont make my mistake - call them asap. the longer you wait the harder it gets to prove you were available for work during those weeks

The Washington ESD system is set up to make this as difficult as possible. You'll probably get transferred 5 times and have to explain your situation to each person. But legally, if you have good cause for not filing and you're still in your benefit year, they have to consider your request.

Make sure you understand the difference between backdating and just filing late weekly claims. Backdating is when you request benefits for weeks you never filed for. If you already filed for those weeks but they're stuck in pending status, that's a different issue entirely.

Pro tip: when you call, have all your documentation ready and be prepared to explain your employment situation clearly. The agents process a lot of these requests and they appreciate when you're organized and direct about what you need.

I'm dealing with something similar but my situation is more complicated because I had two different temporary jobs during the period I stopped filing. Did anyone else have multiple employment changes?

Whatever you do, don't try to file the weekly claims yourself for those past weeks through the online system. It won't work and might create additional complications. You have to go through the official backdate request process.

Just want to add that if your backdate request gets denied initially, you can appeal that decision. Don't give up if the first answer is no - sometimes you get different interpretations from different agents about what qualifies as good cause.

Has anyone tried using the secure messaging system on the Washington ESD website instead of calling? I'm wondering if that might be easier than dealing with the phone system.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you get approved for backdating, there might be a delay in processing the payments. My cousin got approved but it took almost a month for the money to actually show up in her account.

Make sure your job search log is up to date for any weeks you're requesting backdate for. They might ask for proof that you were actively looking for work during those periods, even if you had temporary employment.

The whole system is so confusing. I wish Washington ESD would make this information easier to find on their website. Half the time their answers contradict each other depending on who you talk to.

If you do get approved for backdating, make sure to keep filing your regular weekly claims while you wait for the back pay to process. Don't let any current weeks go unfiled while dealing with the past weeks.

I've been through this process twice with Washington ESD. The key is persistence and having all your paperwork organized. Also, try calling right when they open at 8 AM - that's when you're most likely to get through without waiting forever.

Just to give you some realistic expectations - even with good cause, they don't approve every backdate request. But given that you stopped filing because of temporary work and you're still in your benefit year, you have a decent chance of success.

Update us when you get through to them! I'm in a similar boat and curious to hear how it goes. Good luck with your backdate request.