When can you sign up for unemployment in Washington - timing questions

You can file your initial claim the week you become unemployed, but not before your last day of work. Washington ESD allows you to apply for benefits starting the Sunday of the week your employment ends. There's a one-week waiting period before you can receive your first payment, so timing is important.

just to add - dont wait too long to file either because there are deadlines. I think you have to file within a certain timeframe or you might lose out on benefits for earlier weeks

I had a similar situation last year and the process was pretty straightforward once I figured out the timing. The key thing is making sure you're actually unemployed through no fault of your own when you file. If you quit or get fired for misconduct, that changes everything. Since you're being laid off, you should be fine. Just make sure to have all your employment info ready - SSN, employer details, dates, etc.

One thing that helped me when I was going through this was using Claimyr to actually get through to a Washington ESD representative. The phone lines are always busy and it's impossible to get answers about timing and eligibility questions. Claimyr.com has this system that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too before you start collecting. Washington ESD requires you to make a certain number of job search contacts each week and keep a log. The requirements might be different depending on your situation.

been there done that - the whole unemployment system is a nightmare to navigate. they make it intentionally confusing so fewer people actually get benefits. but stick with it because you earned those benefits

Don't forget about the tax implications either. Unemployment benefits are taxable income, so you might want to have taxes withheld or set aside money for tax time.

File as soon as you can after your last day. I made the mistake of waiting a week because I thought I needed to 'settle in' to being unemployed first. Lost a week of benefits because of that delay.

curious about this too since my hours got cut way back. can you file for partial unemployment if you're still working but just barely getting any hours?

The online system for filing is actually pretty user-friendly once you get started. Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection and set aside some time to complete the application without rushing.

whatever you do dont lie on the application. they will find out and it will cause way more problems than its worth. be honest about everything even if you think it might hurt your case

If you run into any issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, I'd recommend trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it a few months ago when my claim was stuck and couldn't get through on the regular phone lines. Worth every penny to actually talk to a human being who could help resolve my issue.

Also worth mentioning that if you have any severance pay or vacation payouts, those might affect when you can start collecting benefits. Washington ESD has specific rules about how those payments are treated.

Start gathering your documents now - W2s, pay stubs, any employment contracts or separation paperwork. Having everything organized will make the application process much smoother.

One last tip - after you file your initial claim, you'll get a determination letter in the mail. Read it carefully because it will tell you your weekly benefit amount and any special conditions for your claim. If there are any errors, you can appeal them.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This thread has been really informative. I feel much more confident about the timing and process now. Will definitely file that Sunday after my last day and have all my documents ready.

Just wanted to echo what others have said about filing promptly - I waited almost a month after my layoff because I was embarrassed about being unemployed and thought I'd find something quickly. Big mistake! Not only did I miss out on several weeks of benefits, but the job search took way longer than expected. The system is there to help you during tough times, so don't let pride get in the way like I did. File as soon as you're eligible and focus your energy on finding your next opportunity.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when my company had layoffs. The advice here is spot on - file that first Sunday after your last day of work. I had all my documents ready and the online application took about 40 minutes to complete. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or print your confirmation page after you submit - I had a minor glitch where my application seemed to disappear for a day and having that confirmation number helped when I called. The waiting week goes by faster than you think, and then the weekly claims become routine. You've got this!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you understand Washington's work search requirements before you start collecting. You'll need to complete 3 job search activities per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. Activities can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or even informational interviews. The key is documenting everything properly because they can audit your job search log at any time. I'd recommend setting up your WorkSourceWA account early so you're ready to track your activities from day one. It's also worth noting that some people may qualify for reduced work search requirements depending on their situation - like if you're in a union with a callback date or participating in approved training programs.