What happens when you file for unemployment with Washington ESD - timeline questions

So I should file this week even though I just lost my job Friday? I thought I had to wait until I'd been unemployed for a certain amount of time.

Nope, file immediately. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week starts. Don't delay or you're just pushing back when you can actually receive payments.

How long does it usually take to get that information in the mail? I'm worried about making mistakes if I don't understand the process.

Usually 7-10 days for the mail, but you can also check your account online. The weekly claims are pretty straightforward - just answer questions about any work you did that week and your job search activities.

What kind of issues would cause problems? My layoff was pretty straightforward - they eliminated my position due to budget cuts.

Budget cuts and lack of work are usually fine. Problems arise when there are questions about misconduct, voluntary quit, or if your employer claims you were fired for cause. Since yours was a clear layoff, you should be okay.

Even straightforward claims can hit snags though. I was laid off and still ended up in adjudication for 6 weeks because of some paperwork issue. Couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to figure out what was wrong.

Is that legitimate? I've never heard of paying someone to help you call a government agency.

Yeah it's real - they just handle the calling part so you don't have to sit there redialing busy signals for hours. Saved me tons of time when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

I was skeptical too but ended up using them when I couldn't reach Washington ESD for two weeks straight. Actually worked and got me connected to resolve my issue.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, creating profiles on job sites, contacting employers directly. Keep detailed records - Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

That's terrifying. What kind of documentation are they asking for?

First it was proof of wages, then verification of my last day worked, then they wanted my separation notice resubmitted in a different format. It's ridiculous.

That sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. Have you checked your online account to see what status it shows? Sometimes the letters they send aren't clear about what's actually needed.

This is really helpful! So if I file today, when would I expect my first payment?

If everything goes smoothly and you're approved, probably 3-4 weeks from today. One week waiting period plus time for processing and payment.

I have my final paystub but not sure about exact start date from 3 years ago. Is that going to be a problem?

Just put your best estimate for the start date. They care more about recent earnings anyway since that's what determines your benefit amount.

I wouldn't intentionally lie but what if I accidentally get something wrong?

Honest mistakes are usually fine as long as you correct them when you discover the error. It's intentional misrepresentation that gets you in trouble.

Yeah the uncertainty is stressful. Good to know I can at least track progress online.

The online account is helpful but sometimes it doesn't update for days. Don't panic if you don't see changes immediately.

That timeline sounds reasonable. Were you able to get through to Washington ESD when you had questions?

I called a few times but usually just got busy signals. Ended up finding most answers on their website or through trial and error with the weekly claims.

Good point! I'll make sure to do that when I file.

Yes! And double check your bank account information is correct. I had a typo in my routing number and it delayed my payments by 2 weeks.

How detailed do the job search records need to be?

Date, employer name, position applied for, method of contact. Some people keep screenshots of applications or save confirmation emails as backup.

Was it expensive to use?

Not really, especially compared to the stress of not knowing what was happening with my claim. They just handle the calling part so you don't have to waste hours on hold.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time every week once you get started. That's the most important thing to remember.

That makes sense. Better to be proactive than just wait and wonder.

Exactly. I waited 2 months thinking my claim would automatically process and it turned out they just needed one simple form I could have submitted right away.