When do I apply for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - timing questions

Thanks! So if my last day is a Friday, I should file that weekend or the following Monday?

File as soon as possible after your last day. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week starts counting.

Ugh that sounds like a headache. Did they make you refile or just adjust the dates?

They adjusted the dates but I had to do a phone interview to explain the situation. Was a pain.

How far back will they pay? I waited like 3 weeks after getting fired because I thought I'd find something quick.

They'll backpay to when you first became eligible, but you have to request it specifically and provide documentation of why you delayed filing.

Never heard of that. Does it actually work? The Washington ESD phone system is impossible.

Yeah it worked great. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than trying to call myself.

That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

What happens if I miss a week? Can I make it up?

You can sometimes get missed weeks reopened but it requires paperwork and explanations. Better to just file on time every week.

Definitely gather everything now - pay stubs, employment dates, supervisor contact info. Having it ready makes filing much smoother.

Good idea. What specific documents do I need?

Your social security card, driver's license, last pay stub, and employment information for the past 18 months including dates and wages.

Yikes, that's terrifying. How do they even know if you file early?

They cross-check with employer wage reports. If your employer reports wages for the week you claimed to be unemployed, red flags go up everywhere.

So I file but don't get paid for week 1, then start getting paid from week 2?

Exactly. The waiting week is unpaid but it still counts toward your benefit year.

Unless you qualify for certain exceptions, but those are rare.

Severance can delay your benefits depending on how it's structured. If it's paid as salary continuation, it might disqualify you temporarily.

It's a lump sum payment. Does that make a difference?

Lump sum severance usually doesn't delay benefits, but you need to report it when filing. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your claim.

How much does it cost though? Everything has a price these days.

They have different options but it's way cheaper than taking time off work to sit on hold all day. Check their site for current pricing.

Good tip! I didn't think about system traffic affecting filing.

Yeah, Monday mornings are terrible for their website. Sunday evenings or early Tuesday mornings work best.

Oh no! Were you able to get any of it back?

Nope. Once you miss the filing window, those benefits are gone forever. File as soon as you're eligible, don't let pride cost you money.

This is so important. Unemployment insurance is something you've paid into - it's not charity.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying to jobs?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, skills training, even creating professional profiles online. Keep detailed records of everything.

What if I can't file because the site is down? Will that mess up my claim?

No, they have procedures for system outages. Just file as soon as the system is back up and note the technical issue if asked.

Got it. Wait until actually unemployed, then file ASAP. Thanks everyone for all the advice!

Exactly. And keep track of all your filing dates and confirmation numbers. You'll need them if there are any issues later.

What kind of questions do they ask during adjudication?

They'll verify why you became unemployed, whether you quit or were fired, if you did anything that caused your termination. Standard stuff but the process is slow.

Seems like several people have used it successfully. Good to know there's an option besides endless hold times.

Yeah, the traditional calling approach is basically broken at this point. This at least gives you a fighting chance to get through.

So if I wait a month to file, I lose a month of potential benefits?

Potentially yes. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you file. The sooner you file after becoming unemployed, the more weeks you have available.

Great advice. Better safe than sorry with their system glitches.

Exactly. I learned this the hard way when they claimed I never filed my initial application. Thank god I had the confirmation number.

Perfect summary! I feel much more prepared now. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice.

Good luck with your claim! The process seems overwhelming at first but it's pretty straightforward once you get started.