When can you start applying for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I should wait until this Sunday to file even though I know I'm losing my job Friday?

Exactly. Filing early can create issues with your claim that take weeks to resolve through adjudication.

Did you have any delays with your claim? I'm worried about timing it wrong.

No delays at all. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation.

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work for reaching Washington ESD?

Yeah, it's legit. Saves you from the endless calling and busy signals. Worth it when you need actual answers about your claim.

Might need to try that if I run into issues with my application.

What if you get unemployment due to reduced hours instead of being completely laid off?

Same rule applies. If your hours are reduced enough to qualify for partial UI benefits, file that Sunday.

You can definitely start gathering your documents now. You'll need pay stubs, employment dates, and your employer information ready.

That's helpful. I'm just really nervous about the whole process and don't want to make mistakes.

The anxiety is normal. Just follow the basic timeline and you'll be fine.

How long did yours take? I'm hearing horror stories about adjudication delays.

About 6 weeks total. Had to go through adjudication because my employer contested it initially.

Severance can affect your eligibility timing. You typically can't collect UI benefits while receiving severance payments that cover your regular wages.

So I should wait until my severance period ends before applying?

Not necessarily. File when you become unemployed but report the severance. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your benefits.

Three times? That must have given you a lot of experience with the process.

Unfortunately yes. Construction work can be unpredictable. At least I know the drill now.

What's the deadline for weekly claims?

You have to file by 11:59 PM on Saturday for the previous week. Don't wait until the last minute though.

Standby is different. You typically file when your employer notifies Washington ESD about the temporary layoff, not necessarily when your work stops.

That makes sense. My employer mentioned they might put people on standby instead of permanent layoffs.

Was it worth the cost? I'm getting desperate trying to reach someone.

Definitely worth it. Saved me probably 20+ hours of calling and getting nowhere. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person.

Good point. I'll make sure to file that Sunday right after my last day.

Yeah, there's no retroactive benefits for weeks you don't file.

Exactly. The system isn't forgiving about missed weeks.

No, you still file that Sunday. The Washington ESD system is available 24/7 online, so holidays don't affect the filing schedule.

Perfect, that's what I was hoping. Thanks for clarifying.

What kind of problems does early filing cause?

It can flag your claim for adjudication review, which means weeks or months of delays while they investigate whether you were actually eligible when you filed.

Glad I asked the question. Got way more info than I expected.

Same here. The timing stuff was confusing me too.

How long do you have before it times out?

I think it's about 30 minutes of inactivity. Don't quote me on that though.

Right? Their website is so confusing to navigate.

It's like they don't want people to find the information they need.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly filings once I start.

Yeah, learned that the hard way on my first claim years ago.

Thanks! Feel much more confident about the process now.

Good luck with everything. The whole job loss thing is stressful enough without worrying about filing procedures.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I need help navigating the system.

Good to know there are options when the regular phone lines don't work.