Should I file for unemployment right away - Washington ESD timing questions?

Thanks, I didn't know about the waiting period. So even if I find a job next week, filing now doesn't hurt?

Exactly. You can always stop filing weekly claims if you find work. But you can't get benefits retroactively for weeks you didn't file.

Good point about the system being slow. How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 2 weeks but that was pretty fast compared to some people

Wait, they really won't backdate at all? That seems unfair if you didn't know the rules.

Nope, very strict about it. The benefit year starts when you file your initial claim, period. That's why everyone says file immediately.

There are some exceptions for good cause but they're really rare and hard to prove. Better to just file right away.

Interesting, how does that work exactly? Do they call for you or something?

They basically handle the calling and waiting part so you don't have to spend all day redialing. Pretty straightforward to use.

I've heard mixed things about those services. Did they actually help you resolve your issue?

Yeah, got through to an agent same day and got my adjudication issue sorted out. Worth it for me since I was getting nowhere on my own.

Okay you've convinced me, filing today. Do I need all my employment history ready or can I add details later?

You'll need your last employer's info and your SSN to start. Have your W2 or pay stubs handy but you can always add more details later if needed.

Ugh that sounds frustrating. Any tips for getting through the application smoothly?

Try early morning or late evening when fewer people are online. And save your progress frequently if the site gives you that option.

Also make sure you have a stable internet connection. Nothing worse than losing all your info halfway through.

I totally get that feeling but you paid into this system through your paychecks. It's your money, not charity.

You're absolutely right. I wish someone had told me that at the time.

No, if you haven't received any benefit payments yet there's nothing to pay back. You just stop filing weekly claims.

Perfect, that makes me feel better about filing immediately.

6 weeks?? That's insane. Did you have any issues with your claim or was it just normal processing time?

Normal processing apparently. They said they were backlogged. At least I eventually got all the back pay.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to help people get through to actual humans when the system is backed up.

Good to know, I was going to try calling first. Online it is!

Way faster and you can do it anytime. Just make sure you have all your employer info ready before you start.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked for me. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works before trying it.

My sister used it last month and got through to an agent the same day. She'd been trying on her own for weeks with no luck.

Huh, might be worth looking into if I run into problems with my claim.

Two months?! That's crazy. Yeah, I'm definitely filing this afternoon.

That mindset is so common but so wrong. Unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance you've been paying for.

How many job applications do I need to do per week?

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, interviews, networking events, etc. Keep good records.

And register with WorkSourceWA if you haven't already. That's a requirement too.

That seems to be the universal advice. Thanks everyone, really helpful thread!

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly for you.