When can you file your weekly unemployment claim in Washington ESD?

Weekly claims open every Sunday at 6 AM and you have until 11:59 PM the following Saturday to file. Most people file on Sunday morning to get it out of the way. You're filing for the week that just ended, so when you file on Sunday you're claiming for the previous Sunday through Saturday.

I always file mine first thing Sunday morning around 7 AM. Never had any issues and it's usually processed by Monday. The system can get slow later in the week so I'd recommend filing early if possible.

Just a heads up - if you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your claim timing or anything else, I found this service called Claimyr that actually helps you get connected to an agent. They have a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

wait so if I file on wednesday is that still ok?? I work weird hours and sunday mornings are hard for me

Pro tip: you can actually file your weekly claim through the Washington ESD website or by phone. The phone system is available 24/7 but the website is easier in my opinion. Just make sure you have your SSN and PIN ready.

I'm still confused about something - when I file this Sunday am I claiming for THIS week or LAST week? Like if today is Thursday, what week am I filing for on Sunday?

Does anyone know if there's a grace period if you miss the Saturday deadline? Like what happens if you forget to file until Sunday morning?

The Washington ESD system is SO confusing for new people. They really need to make the instructions clearer on their website. I remember being lost for weeks when I first started filing.

Another thing to remember - make sure you answer all the questions honestly about any work you did during the week. Even if you only worked a few hours, you need to report it or you could get in trouble for overpayment later.

I've been filing weekly claims for 8 months now and I still get nervous every time. Anyone else or is it just me lol

Question about holidays - does the filing schedule change if there's a holiday during the week? Like if Monday is a holiday, do we still file on Sunday?

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I second the Claimyr recommendation from earlier. Used it last month when I had questions about my standby status and it actually worked. Way better than the endless hold times.

I always file mine on Tuesday mornings during my coffee break. Never had any problems and it gives me something to do while I'm job searching.

Does the mobile app work for filing weekly claims or do I need to use the full website? My laptop is acting up.

PSA: Don't forget to keep doing your job search activities even if you're filing weekly claims. Washington ESD can ask for your job search log at any time and you need to have 3 activities per week documented.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This thread has been super useful for understanding the timing. I feel much more confident about filing my first weekly claim now.

One more tip - if you're having any issues with your claim status or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about adjudication or anything else, that Claimyr service people mentioned earlier is legit. I was skeptical at first but it really does help you get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever.

Summary for anyone else who's confused: File every Sunday through Saturday for the previous week. System opens Sunday 6 AM. Don't miss the Saturday deadline. Report all work. Keep job search records. Easy once you get the hang of it!