Washington ESD timing - when to file unemployment after job loss?

File as soon as possible! Your benefit year starts the Sunday of the week you file, not when you actually lost your job. So if you wait, you're literally losing money. The waiting period is just one week and it's built into the system - you still need to file your weekly claims during that time.

definitely file online at esd.wa.gov, way faster than calling. took me maybe 30 minutes to complete the whole application. just have your employment history ready for the last 18 months

I'll add that you should file even if you think you might get called back to work soon. You can always stop filing weekly claims if you get rehired, but if it takes longer than expected you'll already be in the system. Washington ESD can take weeks to process initial claims sometimes, especially if there are any issues that need adjudication.

One thing that helped me was using Claimyr when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD to ask questions about my filing. They have this service at claimyr.com that helps you actually reach an agent when you call. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Was super helpful when I had questions about my specific situation.

UGHHH the timing thing is so confusing!! I filed on a Tuesday and was told my benefit week starts the Sunday before that Tuesday?? Like how does that even make sense if I wasnt unemployed on Sunday???

File immediately but make sure you have all your documents ready first. Last employer info, reason for separation, your social security number obviously. The online application will time out if you take too long so better to have everything prepared.

been there done that - file TODAY if you can. every day you wait is money down the drain since your benefit year starts when you file not when you got laid off

Also don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirements. You can do this right after filing your UI claim. It's required to keep getting benefits so don't put it off.

Question about the waiting week - do you still have to do job search activities during that week even though you won't get paid?

I made the mistake of waiting 2 weeks to file because I thought I needed to be officially 'unemployed' for a certain period first. WRONG. Cost me those 2 weeks of benefits that I'll never get back. File immediately!!!

Pro tip: if you file late in the evening or on weekends, sometimes the system is slower or might have maintenance. I'd recommend filing during normal business hours if possible, just in case you run into technical issues and need help.

What about if you got severance pay? Does that affect when you should file or delay your benefits?

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible if you need to call with questions. Took me literally 47 tries to get through last month. Found out about Claimyr from someone on Reddit and it actually worked - got connected to an agent in under 30 minutes. Definitely worth checking out if you run into issues.

just to echo everyone else - FILE ASAP. I waited 4 days thinking it didn't matter and basically lost almost a week's worth of benefits. The system doesn't backdate to when you actually lost your job, only to when you file the claim.

One more thing - make sure you file your weekly claims EVERY week even if your claim is still pending or in adjudication. I know someone who stopped filing weekly claims while waiting for their initial claim to be approved and then had to restart the whole process.

If you're still having trouble getting through to ESD for questions, there's also Claimyr which I used when my claim went into adjudication. They help you actually reach an agent instead of getting the busy signal runaround. Really saved me a lot of frustration.