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Esteban Tate

Is Saturday the deadline for this week's ESD claim submission?

Quick question - I usually file my weekly claim on Sunday mornings, but I'm going camping this weekend with no cell service. Is Saturday actually the deadline for submitting this week's claim? I can't remember if the system lets you claim on Sunday too, or if it has to be done by Saturday at midnight. Don't want to mess up my benefits over a camping trip! Anyone know for sure?

No, you're good! Sunday is actually the FIRST day you can file for the previous week, not the last. The weekly claim period runs Sunday through Saturday, and you can file for that week starting Sunday and have until the following Saturday to submit. So if you're going camping this weekend, just file when you get back (as long as it's before next Saturday). The ESD website has the full schedule under the 'How to file weekly claims' section.

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Esteban Tate

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Oh thank goodness! So I can file next week for this week? That's a huge relief, thanks!

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Elin Robinson

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I think u got it backwards actually. U file FOR the previous week ON sunday. sunday is the first day u can submit for the week that just ended. ur supposed to file asap after the week ends.

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Yes!! This is correct. Sunday is the START of the new filing window. Each week runs Sunday-Saturday, then you file starting the next day (Sunday) for the week that just finished. You have until the following Saturday at 11:59pm to submit that claim. So you have a full week to file.

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Beth Ford

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I made this EXACT mistake last month and ended up losing a week of benefits! ESD is SO CONFUSING with their instructions!! The week runs Sun-Sat, then you have the NEXT Sun-Sat period to FILE for the previous week. If you miss that window, you're usually out of luck unless you have a really good reason!!

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Esteban Tate

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Oh no, that's terrible! Did you try to appeal it or anything? I'm definitely going to be more careful with my timing.

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Beth Ford

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I tried calling ESD for DAYS to explain but could never get through!!! Just constant busy signals and disconnects. Eventually I gave up because it was just one week's payment. But I'm still mad about it!!!

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Just to clarify what everyone's saying with a specific example: Let's say this week is May 12-18, 2025 (Sun-Sat). Starting May 19 (Sunday), you can file your weekly claim for the May 12-18 period. You have until May 25 (Saturday) at 11:59 PM to submit that claim. If you're going camping this weekend, you'll still have plenty of time to file when you get back. The ESD system is available 24/7 except for the maintenance window (usually Sunday nights from about 10 PM to Monday 2 AM).

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Esteban Tate

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Thank you for that super clear example! This makes perfect sense now. I'll file as soon as I get back from camping then.

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just remember u still have to do ur 3 job search activities for the week even if ur camping lol. they dont care if ur in the woods, still need those job contacts

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Joy Olmedo

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If you're ever in a situation where you need to talk to an actual ESD agent about your claim (which I had to do when I had a similar confusion about filing dates), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It helped me get through to ESD when I couldn't get past the busy signals. Their system holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration! There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

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Esteban Tate

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Thanks for the tip! I've been lucky so far with my claim, but I'll keep this in mind if I ever do need to reach an actual person at ESD.

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Elin Robinson

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does that actually work? ive heard of it but wasnt sure if it was legit or not

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Joy Olmedo

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Yeah, it worked for me! I was skeptical too, but after spending 3 days trying to get through myself, I was desperate. Got connected to an agent within about 2 hours. Much better than the endless busy signals I was getting before.

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Another tip - if you have a smartphone, you might want to try filing from your phone while camping if you can find even a brief spot with service. The ESD mobile site actually works pretty well and the weekly claim only takes about 5 minutes if you don't have any earnings to report. I've filed from some pretty remote places when I was traveling!

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Esteban Tate

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That's a good backup plan. I'll be in Olympic National Park though, so not expecting any service at all. But now that I know I have until next Saturday, I'm not going to stress about it.

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i almost forgot to file last week lol but the esd site was down for maintenance when i tried sunday night so i had to do it monday morning. got my payment a day late but no big deal. just dont wait til the very last minute on saturday night or you might have technical problems

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CosmicCaptain

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For anyone else reading this thread - I just want to emphasize how important it is to understand the ESD filing schedule! I've been on unemployment for 8 months now and I see so many people get confused about this. The key thing to remember is: each benefit week runs Sunday through Saturday, and you can file for that completed week starting the NEXT Sunday. You then have a full week (until the following Saturday at 11:59 PM) to submit your claim. So there's actually a lot of flexibility in when you file - you don't have to rush to do it on Sunday morning like some people think. Just make sure you don't wait until the very last minute in case there are technical issues with the website!

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