When can you file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I file right after my last day but I won't get paid for the first week anyway?

Exactly. Washington ESD has a one-week waiting period for regular unemployment benefits. You'll file weekly claims for every week including that first week, but you won't get paid for it unless you qualify for certain exceptions.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the adjudication process.

Mine was approved within about 10 days, but I had a straightforward layoff situation. If there are any issues with your separation from work, it could take longer.

How much does that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, it was much better than spending hours trying to call Washington ESD directly and getting disconnected.

Do I need pay stubs or just the information from them?

You don't need to upload pay stubs for the initial filing, but having them handy helps you provide accurate wage information. Washington ESD will verify your wages directly with employers.

I know it's tough, but the waiting period applies to almost everyone. The important thing is getting your claim filed so you can start the weekly claim process.

yeah I filed mine like 3 days after I lost my job and it worked out fine eventually

File anyway. Washington ESD will determine your eligibility as part of the process. It's better to have a claim on file than to miss out on potential benefits while you're trying to figure out if you qualify.

Agreed. The worst thing that happens is they say you don't qualify, but at least you'll know for sure.

So even if you're looking for work and think you might find something soon, you should still file?

Yes! You can always stop filing weekly claims if you find work, but you can't go back and establish an earlier claim date.

What happens if you use up all your benefits before the year is up?

Then you're done unless you qualify for extended benefits, which are rare. Most people get 26 weeks of regular benefits in Washington.

The day doesn't matter for your initial claim, but I found the website was less busy on weekends when I filed mine.

Sunday nights seem to work well for me when I file my weekly claims

My situation is a permanent layoff, so I think the regular rules apply to me.

Yes, for permanent separations you definitely want to file as soon as possible after your last day.

Was it hard to use? I'm not great with technology.

Not at all, it's actually pretty simple. Much easier than trying to navigate Washington ESD's phone system on your own.

How many job contacts do I need to make each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week in Washington. This could be applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc.

The online system is available 24/7 for filing claims. I filed mine at like 2 AM because I couldn't sleep anyway.

lol same, unemployment stress insomnia is real

I'm getting two weeks of severance. Does that mean I have to wait two extra weeks?

It depends on how your employer pays it out. If it's paid as a lump sum, it might not delay your benefits. If it's paid out over time, it could. Best to be honest about it when you file.

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

Good luck! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims every week once you get started, even if your claim is still being processed.

The phone lines are definitely brutal. I gave up trying to call after getting disconnected 5 times in one day.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. The regular phone system is just overwhelmed most of the time.

Should I print out the confirmation page or is saving it digitally okay?

Either way works, but I always recommend having a backup. Screenshot it and also write down the confirmation number somewhere safe.