Washington ESD timing - when should I apply for unemployment benefits?

Thanks! I was worried I needed to wait a week or something. I'll start the application today.

Yeah don't wait - I made that mistake and it delayed everything by like 2 weeks

What kind of employer information do they need exactly? Just basic stuff like address and phone number?

You'll need employer name, address, phone number, dates of employment, and your reason for separation. Also helpful to have your last pay stub handy for wage verification.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got through to ask about my claim status after weeks of trying on my own.

Really? That actually works? I'm so desperate at this point I'll try anything to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it's legit. They handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than wasting hours on hold.

Oh no, did the 3 day delay cause problems with your benefits?

It delayed my first payment by about a week. Not the end of the world but every day counts when you need the money.

Don't put it off any longer! The website is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Just have your information ready and take it step by step.

ok fine ill do it tonight, thanks for the push

That's really helpful to know about the Sunday start date. I had no idea it worked that way.

Yeah Washington ESD benefit weeks always run Sunday to Saturday regardless of when you file during the week.

3 weeks seems like a really long time. Was there an issue with your claim or is that normal?

There was some adjudication issue they had to resolve. Most claims process faster but mine got flagged for some reason.

Adjudication can definitely slow things down. That's when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits.

You can apply first. The job search requirement kicks in after your claim is approved and you start filing weekly claims. But you should start looking for work regardless.

Perfect, that makes sense. I wanted to get the claim filed before spending all my time on job applications.

Thanks for the encouragement. I've been procrastinating because it seems overwhelming but I need to just do it.

Good to know backdating is possible though, just in case I mess up the timing somehow.

Yeah they're pretty reasonable about it if you have a good reason for the delay. But easier to just file right away.

So the initial claim is just to get into the system, and then weekly claims are what trigger the actual payments?

Exactly! Initial claim establishes your eligibility and benefit amount. Weekly claims are what you file every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work.

So I file weekly claims even during the waiting week? That seems weird but okay.

Yep, you still have to file the weekly claim to satisfy the waiting week requirement. Just no payment for that first week.

6 weeks?! That's crazy. Were you able to get help or did you just have to wait it out?

tried calling a million times but never got through. eventually it just got approved on its own

Yeah I was planning to do it online anyway. The phone system sounds like a nightmare from what everyone's saying.

I'm definitely going to try this. Spent another 3 hours on hold yesterday and got disconnected again.

How much does something like that cost? Sounds too good to be true.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save. Way cheaper than taking unpaid time off work to sit on hold all day.

Good luck with your application! I'm going to file mine tonight after reading all this advice.

Thanks! Let me know how it goes. We can compare notes on the process.

That makes sense. Better to get any potential problems sorted out early rather than waiting.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel much more confident about filing now. Going to start my application right after dinner.

Great to hear! Remember to keep track of your job search activities starting right away, even before your first payment.

Will do. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help out a confused newbie.