Is there a deadline to file for unemployment in Washington - missed filing window?

So I can still file but I won't get paid for the weeks I already missed? That's like $3,200 I lost out on...

Exactly. Washington ESD doesn't pay retroactively for weeks you didn't file weekly claims. But you should still file your initial claim ASAP to start getting benefits going forward.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved after you finally filed?

About 2 weeks for the initial determination, but then it went into adjudication for another 3 weeks because of some issue with my job separation.

I have my final paycheck stub and the layoff notice. Is that enough or do I need more documentation?

That should be good to start. Washington ESD will request more info if they need it during the claim process.

Is this legit? Seems too good to be true that there's a service that can actually get you through to Washington ESD.

I was skeptical too but it worked. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling for days. Worth checking out the demo video.

What counts as 'good cause' for filing late?

Things like serious illness, natural disasters, or being given wrong information by an Washington ESD employee. Just not knowing you could file probably won't qualify.

This is why they need to do better outreach. So many people lose benefits just because they don't know the system.

Six weeks isn't too bad compared to two months. File your initial claim today and start your weekly claims immediately.

At least you're only out 6 weeks instead of 8 like me. We both need to stop procrastinating and just file.

Good idea, I'll check that out. Need to see if it's even worth the hassle of filing at this point.

It's definitely worth filing. Even if you lost some weeks, you'll still get benefits for the remaining weeks you're unemployed.

I've been applying for jobs already. Do I need to log the ones I already applied to before filing my claim?

No, the work search requirement starts the week you file your claim. But keep track of everything going forward.

I thought the same thing! Turns out you're supposed to file right away, not wait. The system is confusing.

The confusion comes from the waiting week requirement, but that doesn't mean you wait to file - you file immediately and then serve your waiting week.

That makes me feel a bit better. Still kicking myself for waiting but good to know it's not completely hopeless.

Point taken! I'm going to file as soon as I get home from work today.

Yep, stop researching and just file. You can always ask questions after you get the process started.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it for the peace of mind. Check out their site claimyr.com - they explain how it works.

So it's not just file once and done? I have to do something every week?

Correct. Every week you want benefits, you need to file a weekly claim certifying that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

The weekly claims are due every Sunday for the previous week. Don't miss those deadlines either.

These responses are really motivating me to stop putting it off. Thanks everyone for the wake up call.

What kind of adjudication issue did you have? I'm worried mine might get complicated too.

They questioned my job separation reason. Having an actual conversation with an agent helped clear it up quickly instead of waiting months.

Will do! Planning to file tonight and I'll post an update in a few days about how the process goes.

Good luck! The waiting is the hardest part but once you get through the initial process it gets easier.