When can you collect unemployment in Washington - eligibility timeline questions

That's a relief about the waiting week! So I can literally file today and potentially get benefits next week if everything goes smoothly?

Yes, but remember you still need to file your weekly claim each week to actually receive payments. Your first payment would be for the week you filed, assuming your claim gets approved without any issues.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the timing with bills coming up.

Mine took about 10 days to get approved, but I know some people have had delays if there are any issues with their claim that need adjudication.

What exactly counts as 'actively seeking employment'? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or working with WorkSourceWA.

That sounds really helpful! Did they charge you for the service?

They do charge a fee but it was worth it for me since I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through on my own. Much cheaper than missing out on benefits.

I've heard mixed things about services like that. Are they legit or just taking advantage of people who are desperate?

They're legitimate - they don't ask for your personal info or login credentials. They just help you get connected to Washington ESD's phone system when call volume is high.

You file one initial claim to establish your eligibility, then you need to file a weekly claim every week to actually receive payments. The weekly claims are where you report any work or income for that week.

oh ok that makes more sense. so if i file my initial claim today i could potentially get benefits for the past 3 weeks since i was laid off?

Unfortunately no - you can only receive benefits starting from the week you file your initial claim. You can't get retroactive payments for weeks before you filed.

Thanks for the heads up! I'm definitely filing today then. Better safe than sorry.

Smart move. Also make sure you have your social security card and employment history ready when you file. Makes the process much smoother.

Yeah it was definitely a layoff, not my fault at all. Company is closing one of their production lines and I was one of 15 people let go.

That should be fine then. Mass layoffs like that are exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for.

Good to know! I wasn't planning on doing any side work but I'll keep that in mind if something comes up.

This is so important! I got hit with an overpayment notice because I didn't report some cash work I did. Washington ESD does not mess around with that stuff.

How detailed do the job search records need to be? Do I need to save emails and application confirmations?

You need to keep track of the employer name, position applied for, date, and method of contact. Screenshots or confirmation emails are good to have as backup but not strictly required.

That's interesting! So if I found a temporary part-time job while looking for full-time work, I could still get some unemployment benefits?

Exactly, but you'd need to report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but you might still get some unemployment money.

That's the second mention of Claimyr in this thread. Must be pretty effective if multiple people are recommending it.

Yeah, I was skeptical at first but the phone system is just impossible to navigate during high call volume. At least with Claimyr you know you'll actually talk to someone.

What would cause a claim to go to adjudication? Is there anything I can do to avoid that?

Common reasons include if there are questions about why you left your job, if you have wages from multiple employers, or if there are discrepancies in your work history. Being honest and thorough on your application helps avoid delays.

Good advice! I'm planning to file this afternoon so hopefully the system won't be too bogged down.

Also avoid filing during lunch time or right after 5pm when everyone gets home from work. Early morning or late evening tend to be better.

I'll definitely look for that calculator. It would be nice to have some idea of what the benefits might be.

It's under the 'Estimate Your Benefits' section on their site. Just remember it's an estimate - your actual amount might be slightly different.

Wow, that's a expensive mistake! Thanks for sharing that - definitely motivates me to file today.

Yeah, lesson learned the hard way. The job search requirement starts after you file your claim, not before.

That's the third recommendation for Claimyr in this thread. Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with them.

The Washington ESD phone system is just overwhelmed most of the time. Services like Claimyr exist because the regular system is so hard to navigate.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm feeling much more confident about filing my claim now.

Good luck with your claim! The process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started.