What day do I file for unemployment with Washington ESD - timing question

You should file your initial unemployment claim as soon as possible after your separation from work. Don't wait! Washington ESD processes claims based on when you file, and there's a waiting week anyway. For weekly claims, you'll get assigned a specific day based on your SSN - they'll tell you which day when you complete your initial application.

just file asap, i waited like a week thinking i needed to and it screwed me over

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I filed my claim last month. Spent hours on hold just to ask basic questions about my application. If you run into the same problem, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to reach someone.

For weekly claims, Washington ESD assigns you a filing day based on the last digit of your Social Security Number. Sunday is for SSN ending in 0-1, Monday for 2-3, Tuesday for 4-5, Wednesday for 6-7, Thursday for 8-9. You can file on your assigned day or any day after, but not before. Make sure you file every week even if you haven't received your first payment yet.

DONT WAIT TO FILE!!! I made this mistake and it cost me. The system is already backed up enough without you adding delays. File your initial claim immediately and then follow the weekly schedule they give you.

The weekly filing schedule is based on your SSN but honestly the Washington ESD website is pretty clear about this once you get your claim set up. The main thing is just getting that initial claim filed ASAP like everyone else said.

also make sure you have all your info ready when you file - social security card, drivers license, employment history for the last 18 months, reason for separation, etc. dont want to start the application and then have to stop to find documents

I've been on unemployment for 3 months now and I file every Tuesday (my assigned day). The key thing to remember is that you're filing for the PREVIOUS week, not the current week. So when you file on Tuesday, you're claiming benefits for the week that just ended on Saturday.

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - if you do run into problems reaching Washington ESD by phone (which you probably will), that service really does work. I was skeptical at first but after spending literally days trying to get through on my own, it was worth it to just get connected quickly when I needed to check on my claim status.

File today! I can't stress this enough. I waited 3 days thinking I needed to 'process' being laid off emotionally and it was such a stupid mistake. Every day counts with unemployment benefits.

One more thing - make sure you understand the work search requirements before you start filing weekly claims. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. Don't skip this or they can disqualify you for benefits.

just wanted to say this thread is super helpful! i'm in a similar situation and was confused about the timing too

To summarize the key points: 1) File your initial claim immediately, don't wait. 2) Your weekly filing day depends on your SSN last digit. 3) You file for the previous week, not the current week. 4) Keep up with work search requirements. 5) Have your employment history and documents ready when you file.

Another tip - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication (which happens more often than it should), that's when you'll really need to contact Washington ESD. The phone lines are brutal but that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually got me through to resolve my adjudication issue in like 20 minutes instead of days of calling.

make sure you also sign up for WorkSourceWA if you haven't already, its required for unemployment benefits in washington

The waiting week is probably the most confusing part for new filers. You file immediately but there's still a waiting week before you can receive benefits, and you have to keep filing weekly claims during that waiting week even though you won't get paid for it.

good luck with your claim! the system can be frustrating but once you get into the routine of weekly filing it becomes pretty automatic

One last thing - save confirmation numbers and take screenshots of everything when you file online. Washington ESD's system can be glitchy and you want proof you filed on time if there are any issues.

this has been really helpful to read through, washington esd process seems overwhelming at first but breaks down into manageable steps

hope your claim goes smoothly! remember to file immediately and then just follow the weekly schedule they give you