What days can you file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I can start my application right now even though it's Saturday? That's a relief.

Yes, but keep in mind that if you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your claim, their phone lines are only open Monday through Friday during business hours.

What happens if I'm out of town on a Sunday and can't file? Can I file early or late?

You can file your weekly claim anytime from Sunday through the following Saturday, but Sunday is recommended to avoid delays. Just don't skip a week entirely.

Never heard of that service. Did they charge you anything?

They do charge a fee but it was worth it to finally talk to a real person about my claim status. Way better than spending hours redialing the main number.

Good to know there are options if I run into problems. Hopefully my claim goes smoothly though.

Three weeks sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. Have you checked your account for any outstanding issues or documents they need?

checked everything, no issues showing up. just says 'processing' forever

That's a good point. Maybe I'll wait until Monday morning to be safe.

I disagree - I've filed plenty of claims late at night with no issues. The system works fine outside business hours.

You're probably right for most people. I might have just had bad luck with timing.

How long does the application usually take to complete?

About 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. The employment history section takes the longest.

That is confusing! So if I file this Sunday, I'd be reporting for last Monday through last Saturday?

Exactly. The system will show you the specific dates when you log in to file your weekly claim.

This tripped me up too. I kept thinking I was filing for the upcoming week, not the week that just ended.

Washington ESD occasionally has scheduled maintenance but they usually post notices on their website. It's rare though - maybe once or twice a year for major updates.

Good to know, thanks. I was worried about trying to file right at the deadline and having the system be down.

Definitely planning on direct deposit. How long after approval do the first payments usually come?

If there are no issues with your claim, usually 1-2 weeks after your first weekly claim is processed.

Wait, so even if I get approved quickly, I won't get paid for my first week of being unemployed?

That's right. The first week serves as a waiting period. You still need to file for it, but you won't receive payment for that week.

This is one of the most frustrating parts of the system. You're already stressed about money and then they make you wait an extra week.

Do I need to start the job search right away or only after I'm approved?

You should start looking for work immediately. The job search requirement begins with your first claimed week, even if you haven't received payment yet.

What kind of identity verification did they need?

Driver's license, Social Security card, and proof of employment. The tricky part was getting them submitted in the right format through their system.

You can file your initial claim right away, but your benefit year starts with the week you became unemployed. So if you were terminated Friday, that week counts as your first week of unemployment.

Thanks, that makes sense. Better to get the process started as soon as possible.

I don't have any severance, just my final paycheck. Should be okay then?

Your final paycheck for work already performed shouldn't affect your claim. It's only future-dated pay like severance or vacation that can delay benefits.

Good to know! I travel sometimes for family stuff so that'll be helpful.

The app is okay but I still prefer the full website. Easier to see all the details and make sure I'm answering questions correctly.

Should I print everything out or are screenshots sufficient?

Screenshots are usually fine, but I like to print important stuff like approval notices. Just in case something happens to my computer.

How long does adjudication usually take?

Can vary widely. Anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity. The key is staying on top of any requests for additional information.

If you end up in adjudication and need to talk to someone, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier is really helpful. Used it myself when my claim was stuck for a month.