When can you file for unemployment in Washington - timing questions

Thanks! So if Friday is my last day, I should file that Sunday? And the waiting period means I won't get paid for the first week?

Exactly right. File that Sunday, and yes the first week is unpaid - it's called the waiting week. But you'll get paid for the second week if everything processes correctly.

Good point about the 18 months thing. I had three different jobs in that time period so I'll need to gather all that info.

Also keep your pay stubs if you have them! Sometimes Washington ESD needs wage verification if there's any discrepancy in their records.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it when I was having the same problem reaching Washington ESD agents. It's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Basically helps you get through their phone system.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I used it last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

What exactly does 'able and available' mean? I'm not planning any trips but want to make sure I understand this.

It means you're physically able to work, available for work during normal business hours, and actively seeking employment. You also can't turn down suitable work offers.

And you have to do job search activities every week and log them in WorkSourceWA. That's required now for most people on regular unemployment.

Yeah they're really specific about that Sunday rule. It's because their benefit weeks run Sunday through Saturday, so filing on the right Sunday aligns everything properly.

Wish I had known that earlier. Took an extra two weeks to get my first payment because of the confusion.

Good to know. In my case it's definitely a layoff - whole department is being eliminated due to budget cuts.

That's a clear qualifying reason. Just make sure your employer reports it correctly to Washington ESD when they file their part of the paperwork.

Same experience here. That's actually how I found out about Claimyr - saw someone mention it in another forum. Really helps with getting through to actual agents instead of sitting on hold forever.

Is that the service that helps you get through their phone system? Might have to try it if I run into issues with my claim.

That's my plan. Hopefully the online system is straightforward enough that I won't need to call at all.

The online filing is pretty user-friendly. Just take your time and double-check everything before submitting.

3 per week sounds manageable. Do they have to be actual applications or can some be networking contacts?

Mix of both works. Applications, contacting employers directly, networking events, job fairs - they all count as long as they're legitimate job search activities.

Wait, you can lose benefits by filing late? I thought you could always backdate claims.

You can backdate but there are limits and it's not guaranteed. Better to file on time and avoid the hassle.

That's somewhat reassuring. I'm already anxious about navigating all this while job hunting.

Take it one step at a time. File your initial claim first, then worry about the weekly claims and job search requirements. Don't try to figure everything out at once.

Perfect summary, thanks everyone! Feeling much more confident about the process now.