When can I collect unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

So I should have filed already? It's been 5 days since I was laid off. Did I mess up by waiting?

No, you're fine! Just file today. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed. You'll backdate it to when you became unemployed.

2-3 weeks?! That seems like forever when you have bills to pay.

Yeah it's rough. I had to borrow money from family while waiting for my first check.

Is that legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD but the phone lines are always busy.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical at first too but it actually connected me to an ESD agent when I couldn't get through on my own.

I was definitely laid off due to budget cuts, not fired. How do I know if I worked enough hours?

When you file your claim, Washington ESD will determine if you have sufficient work history. Generally you need to have worked in at least two quarters of your base period.

What's WorkSource? Is that something separate from the unemployment claim?

WorkSource is Washington's job search system. You'll need to register there and use it for your required job search activities.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - saved me hours of trying to call. They got me connected to an agent who explained why my claim was delayed.

Maybe I should try that. This is ridiculous how hard it is to reach them.

Do I need pay stubs or anything like that to file?

Not to file initially, but have them ready in case Washington ESD requests documentation later.

What kind of issues might come up?

Could be anything - wage verification, reason for separation, identity verification. That's when you really need to talk to someone at ESD.

How do I file weekly claims if my initial claim isn't approved yet?

You can still file them through your eServices account. If you're approved, you'll get paid for all the weeks you filed.

Do I have to start job searching immediately or can I wait until my claim is approved?

Start immediately. The job search requirement begins with your first week of unemployment, even the unpaid waiting week.

Two weeks isn't unusual. Check your eServices account for any alerts or required actions.

I check every day but it just says 'claim under review' with no other info.

Good to know! I'll file tonight then.

Yeah, avoid Friday afternoons and Monday mornings when everyone's trying to file at once.

I was permanently laid off, not temporarily. Does that make a difference in when I can collect?

Not really for timing, but it affects your job search requirements. Permanent layoffs have to actively search for work.

What if I pick up a few gig work jobs while waiting for my claim to process?

Report all income when you file your weekly claims. Washington ESD has formulas for how much you can earn and still get benefits.

I totally get the frustration. That's why services like Claimyr exist - they bypass the busy phone lines and actually get you connected to agents who can help.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. This is insane.

It's so stressful! I wish there was a faster way to get answers.

for real, bills don't wait for bureaucracy

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm going to file tonight and try to stay patient.

Good plan. And don't hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck - there are resources available.

You need to have worked in Washington state. Where you live now can affect some things but shouldn't prevent you from filing.

Thanks! I moved to Oregon but worked in Washington until I was laid off.

Several people have mentioned that service now. Must be pretty helpful if multiple people are recommending it.

Yeah, it actually works. Saved me probably 10+ hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared now. Filing my claim tonight.

Good luck! Remember this thread exists if you run into issues later.