Is it bad to file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with filing for unemployment benefits. You paid into this system through your paychecks - it's literally your money that you're entitled to receive. Unemployment insurance is not welfare, it's insurance that you and your employer contributed to while you were working.

File immediately! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about using a system you paid into. I waited two weeks because I felt embarrassed and lost out on those benefits forever. Washington ESD doesn't backdate claims to before you file.

Your unemployment claim won't show up on background checks for employment. It's confidential information. I've been through this twice and never had an employer bring it up or even know about it. Focus on getting the financial help you need right now.

Honestly the hardest part is just getting through to Washington ESD on the phone when you have questions. I spent hours trying to reach someone about my claim status. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The stigma around unemployment is outdated and frankly unfair. During the pandemic, millions of people filed for benefits including professionals, managers, and business owners. It's a safety net that exists for exactly this situation - when you lose your job through no fault of your own.

File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. The process is pretty straightforward and you can do it from home.

ugh the job search requirements are annoying though, you have to log 3 job contacts per week and keep records

Don't let your mom's outdated views stop you from getting help you deserve. This is literally what unemployment insurance is for - to help workers between jobs. You're not taking anything away from anyone else.

I was in your exact situation last year - felt guilty about filing even though I got laid off. Best decision I made was to file immediately. The benefits kept me afloat while I found a better job. No employer ever asked about it.

Just remember you have to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Set a reminder on your phone because if you miss a week you might not be able to make it up.

The maximum benefit in Washington is pretty decent too compared to other states. Don't leave money on the table that you're entitled to receive.

honestly filing for unemployment was one of the smartest things I did when I got laid off. Gave me breathing room to find the right job instead of just taking the first thing that came along

If you run into issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or anything, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit. I used it when my claim was pending for weeks and finally got answers.

File today if you can. There's literally no downside and every day you wait is money you're not getting. Your future employers will never know and wouldn't care if they did.

Welcome to the club nobody wants to be in but glad exists when you need it! The Washington ESD system isn't perfect but it works and it's there for people exactly like you.

Pro tip: if you get a new job before your benefit year expires, you don't have to pay anything back. It's not a loan, it's insurance benefits you earned.

The only thing I'd add is make sure you report any part-time work or odd jobs while you're claiming. Better to be honest upfront than deal with overpayment issues later.

Don't overthink this - you lost your job, you need income, this system exists for exactly this situation. File tonight and start getting the help you need.

Just want to echo what everyone else said - there's zero shame in this and it won't hurt your career prospects at all. Take care of yourself first.

Update us on how the filing process goes! Always good to hear success stories for other people who might be in the same boat.