When can you apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I should wait until the Sunday after my last day? What happens if I miss that first Sunday?

You can still file later but your benefits will only start from when you actually file, not backdated to when you became unemployed. So it's best to file as soon as you're eligible.

Good to know! Is there anything I should have ready before I start the application?

Yes - have your Social Security number, your employer information for the last 18 months, and dates of employment. Also any separation paperwork if you have it.

I had the same problem last month. Ended up using this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have this system that keeps calling until someone answers and then connects you. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to talk to an actual Washington ESD rep within like 30 minutes instead of calling all day. Definitely worth trying if you're stuck.

A whole year? I didn't know it was that long! But you're right about losing money by waiting.

One year is the absolute deadline but most people should file within the first week or two. The longer you wait, the more complicated it can get.

How do I know if I've worked enough hours? I've been at my current job for about 8 months.

Generally you need to have worked in at least 2 quarters during your base period and earned at least $1,500 in your highest quarter. Washington ESD will calculate this automatically when you file.

Good point! I wasn't planning any trips but good to know for the future.

Yeah and you have to do weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Miss a week and you don't get paid for that week.

Ouch! That's a lot of money. I definitely won't make that mistake.

This is why it's so important to file immediately even if you think you might get called back. You can always stop claiming if you return to work.

I'll check that out! Thanks for the tip.

The website is definitely the way to go for basic info. Only call if you have a specific problem with your claim.

You can file right away regardless of why you lost your job. Washington ESD will investigate later if needed, but don't let that stop you from filing. If you were fired for misconduct that's when you might have issues, but most terminations qualify for benefits.

That's reassuring. I was let go for performance issues but nothing like theft or anything serious.

Performance issues usually don't disqualify you from benefits. Misconduct has to be pretty serious - things like stealing, violence, or willful disregard of company policy.

Really? I hadn't heard that before. Every little bit helps!

I'm not sure that's actually true. I think they process claims continuously throughout the week, not in batches by day filed.

Maybe things have changed but that's what I was told by a Washington ESD rep last year. Either way, filing early in the week can't hurt.

Yeah the system can be glitchy, especially during peak times. Try filing early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are using it.

Good idea! I was trying during lunch hour so that probably didn't help.

That's the second time someone mentioned Claimyr. Sounds like it might be worth looking into.

I used them too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Way better than sitting on hold for hours only to get disconnected.

Got it! I'll definitely file that first Sunday. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

Good luck with your claim! The whole process is much easier than it seems once you get started.

3 per week? That doesn't sound too bad. Do they need to be formal applications?

They can be applications, networking contacts, job fairs, interviews - various types of activities count. Washington ESD has a list of what qualifies on their website.

I only had one job so that should be easy enough. But good to know for others reading this!

Yeah I had 3 different jobs in my base period and had to track down old pay stubs and employment dates. Definitely prepare that info ahead of time if you can.