When can I start collecting unemployment benefits after losing my job?

You can file your Washington ESD claim immediately after losing your job, but there are some timing rules you need to know about. Benefits don't start until the Sunday of the week you file your initial claim, and you'll have a one-week waiting period before you receive your first payment.

Make sure you file as soon as possible though! I waited like 2 weeks thinking I needed to get my paperwork together first and it just delayed everything. Washington ESD backdates your claim to when you file, not when you lost your job.

The whole process can be confusing to navigate, especially when you're trying to get through to Washington ESD on the phone to check your claim status. I had so much trouble reaching them until I found Claimyr at claimyr.com - they help you get through to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Just to clarify the timeline - you file your initial claim, then you have to file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work. The first weekly claim you file will be your waiting week, so no payment. Second weekly claim should result in your first payment if everything's approved.

ugh the whole system is so slow... took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they had to verify my employment history

To answer your original question more directly - assuming you file today and everything goes smoothly: Week 1 (this week) = waiting week, no payment. Week 2 = first potential payment, usually processed by Wednesday and deposited by Friday if you're on direct deposit.

One thing nobody mentions - make sure you start your job search activities right away too. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work and they can ask for your job search log at any time.

I remember being so confused about this same thing when I got laid off. The waiting week thing seems weird but it's just how the system works.

Pro tip - set up direct deposit when you file your claim. Getting checks by mail adds extra time and they can get lost. Direct deposit is much faster.

If you run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, definitely consider using Claimyr. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through on the phone. They got me connected to an agent who cleared everything up in one call.

Make sure you have all your employer info ready when you file - company name, address, dates of employment, reason for separation. It'll make the process smoother.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource too for the job search requirements. It's all connected to your unemployment claim.

I'm in the same boat, got laid off last week and just filed my claim. Still waiting to hear back but at least I got it submitted quickly.

One more thing - if your employer contests your claim, that can delay things significantly. Hopefully that won't happen in your case since you mentioned it was a layoff.

The good news is once you get approved and start receiving benefits, the process becomes pretty routine. File your weekly claim, get paid, repeat.

Been there, done that. The waiting week sucks but it goes by fast. Just focus on getting your claim filed and start looking for work right away.

Just want to mention Claimyr one more time since phone access to Washington ESD can be so difficult. If you end up needing to speak with someone about your claim, it's a real lifesaver. The video demo I mentioned shows exactly how it works.

Bottom line - file now, don't wait. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start the process. Even with the waiting week, you'll be glad you got it started.

Good luck with everything! The unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there to help you get through this transition.