Should I file for unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility question

You should definitely file! Washington ESD looks at your work history over the past 18 months to determine eligibility. With 8 months at the warehouse plus 6 months retail, you likely have enough work quarters to qualify. The worst they can say is no, but you won't know unless you apply. Don't let other people's negative experiences stop you from getting benefits you earned.

Just file it man, you've got nothing to lose. I was in a similar situation last year and got approved. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step.

Honestly, trying to reach Washington ESD by phone is a nightmare if you need help with your claim. I spent weeks calling the main number and never got through. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me connect with an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I had questions about my weekly claims.

You need to file ASAP! Washington ESD benefits are retroactive only to the week you apply, not when you were laid off. You're already losing money by waiting. Go to secure.esd.wa.gov and start your application today.

idk why everyone makes it sound so complicated. i filed online and it was pretty straightforward. just have your SSN, employment info, and be ready to answer questions about why you lost your job

I'm going through the same thing right now! Filed two weeks ago and still waiting to hear back. The waiting is killing me because I have bills to pay. But everyone says to file even if you're not 100% sure you qualify.

YES file immediately! I made the mistake of waiting 3 weeks thinking I might find another job quickly. Lost out on $1,200 in benefits because I waited. Washington ESD doesn't care about your pride - if you paid into the system, you deserve those benefits when you need them.

Quick eligibility check for you: Were you laid off or fired for cause? If it was a layoff, you're almost certainly eligible. If fired, depends on the reason. Also, you need to be able and available to work and actively seeking employment.

The Washington ESD system is honestly a mess but you still need to file. I spent 6 weeks in adjudication because they couldn't verify my employment at one job. Had to send in W-2s and everything. But I eventually got approved and received back pay for the whole period.

If you do run into issues with your claim or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, I'd recommend checking out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through to anyone. Claimyr got me connected the same day and I was able to get answers about what documents they needed.

One more thing - make sure you understand the job search requirements. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week once you start receiving benefits. Keep detailed records of every application, interview, and networking activity. They can audit your job search log at any time.

Stop overthinking it and just file! Seriously, you're losing money every day you wait. The application takes like 20 minutes max and you'll know within a few weeks if you're approved.

I was in your exact situation 6 months ago. Warehouse job, similar work history, laid off due to budget cuts. Filed immediately and got approved within 10 days. Best decision I made was not waiting around hoping something would work out.

just make sure you have all your info ready before you start the application. nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you don't remember your last employer's address or something

Final advice: File today, be completely honest on your application, keep detailed job search records, and file your weekly claims religiously. Washington ESD has strict deadlines and requirements, but if you follow the rules, the system works. You paid into unemployment insurance for exactly this situation.

One thing I wish someone had told me - even if you're not sure you qualify, filing early protects your claim date. Washington ESD can always deny you if you're not eligible, but they can't give you benefits for weeks before you applied. Time is money when it comes to unemployment.

Update on my claim - finally got approved today! Two and a half weeks from application to approval. The wait was stressful but worth it. Definitely file ASAP like everyone's saying.

The psychological benefit of filing is huge too. Even if it takes a few weeks to get approved, knowing you have that application in and potential income coming gives you peace of mind to focus on your job search instead of panicking about money 24/7.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing - they actually don't charge you unless they successfully connect you to an agent. So if you do need to talk to Washington ESD later and can't get through the normal way, it's worth trying. Saved me so much frustration when I was dealing with my weekly claim issues.

Thanks everyone for pushing me to file! Just submitted my application. The process was actually pretty straightforward - took about 25 minutes total. Now I just have to wait and see what happens. Really appreciate all the advice and encouragement from this community!