When can you file unemployment claim in Washington ESD - timing questions

Thanks! So if my last day is Friday, I should file that Sunday?

Exactly. File your initial claim on Sunday, then do your first weekly claim the following Sunday for that first week.

What if my employer disputes the claim? I'm worried they might say I was fired for cause even though it's clearly a layoff.

Then it goes to adjudication and Washington ESD will investigate. Keep any documentation about the layoff - emails, notices, etc.

Wait, they don't backdate benefits? That seems unfair if you didn't know about the timing rules.

Nope, Washington ESD only pays from your claim effective date forward. That's why timing matters so much.

Good to know! I definitely don't want to lose any weeks of benefits.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

Wait what? I have to start looking for work immediately? I thought I had some time to figure things out.

You need to be able and available for work from day one. The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week unless you're in an approved training program.

Is the online system pretty straightforward?

Yeah it's not too bad. Just have your Social Security card and employment history ready.

How detailed does this log need to be?

Pretty detailed - company name, position, date applied, method of contact, any follow-up. Better to have too much info than not enough.

I got audited last year and they wanted everything. Luckily I kept good records or I would have been disqualified.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Sometimes you really need to talk to someone to resolve these issues.

I'll try anything at this point. Can't pay my rent with promises.

How do you prevent that from happening?

Be really specific and accurate about dates and circumstances. Any discrepancy triggers an investigation.

You can file if you quit for good cause - things like harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job. But the burden of proof is on you.

what counts as good cause exactly?

Each case is different but generally documented safety issues, harassment, substantial reduction in hours or pay, or hostile work environment.

Same here, filed on Wednesday and no issues. The Sunday thing is more of a guideline.

That's reassuring. I was worried about messing up the timing.

How do they calculate the base period?

It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they look at January-December 2024.

You can work part-time but you have to report ALL earnings. They'll reduce your benefits dollar-for-dollar after you earn more than 25% of your weekly benefit amount.

So if my weekly benefit is $400, I can earn $100 without any reduction?

Exactly. Anything over $100 gets deducted from your $400 benefit.

Even if I haven't heard anything back from Washington ESD yet?

Yes! Keep filing weekly claims no matter what. You can't go back and claim weeks you didn't file for.

It's frustrating but once you get through the initial process it gets easier. The weekly claims are pretty straightforward.

IF you can get through the initial process. That's a big if.

How quickly were you able to get through?

They got me connected within a few hours instead of me spending days trying to call.

Good tip! I'll make sure to keep copies of all my paperwork.

Also take screenshots of your online submissions. I've had things disappear from my account.

That makes sense. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

Exactly. The worst they can do is say no, but if you don't file you definitely won't get anything.

You've got it! And don't hesitate to reach out here if you run into any issues during the process.

And remember about Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. Sometimes that's the only way to get things resolved quickly.

Thanks! Feeling much more confident about the process now.