When do I claim unemployment in Washington state - timing questions

You can file your initial claim the week after your last day of work. Don't file before your employment actually ends or it will cause issues with your claim. The waiting week was eliminated in Washington state a few years ago, so you don't have to worry about that anymore.

Make sure you have all your documentation ready before you file. You'll need your social security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your employer's information. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step.

Weekly claims start right after you file your initial application. You don't wait for approval - you file weekly claims while your application is being processed. This is super important because if you miss filing weekly claims, you can lose benefits even if your claim gets approved later.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to ask questions about my claim timing. Spent hours on hold multiple times. Recently found out about claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to actual ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I had issues with my weekly claims.

One thing to keep in mind - you need to be able and available for work to qualify for unemployment benefits. This means you should be actively looking for work and able to accept suitable employment. Washington ESD requires you to keep a record of your job search activities.

Also make sure you understand the difference between being laid off vs. being fired for cause. If you were laid off due to lack of work, you should qualify for benefits. If you were terminated for misconduct, that's a different story and could affect your eligibility.

File online if possible rather than trying to call. The Washington ESD website (esd.wa.gov) is usually more reliable than their phone system, especially during busy periods. You can create your SecureAccess Washington account and file your claim 24/7.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to register with WorkSource Washington and keep detailed records of all your job search activities. This includes where you applied, when you applied, and the type of position.

Quick tip - when you file your initial claim, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down and keep it safe! You might need it if there are any issues with your claim later.

I wish I had known about timing when I first filed. I waited too long after my last day of work and it caused delays in my claim processing. File as soon as you can after your employment ends, but not before.

The system has gotten better over the years but it can still be confusing for first-time filers. Take your time reading through all the instructions on the Washington ESD website before you start the application process.

If you have any issues reaching Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works pretty well. I was skeptical at first but it really did help me get through to a real person when I needed to resolve an issue with my weekly claims.

One more thing - make sure your contact information is current in your claim. If Washington ESD needs to reach you for any reason and can't, it can delay your benefits. Keep your phone number and address updated.

The whole process seemed overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get started. Just follow the steps, file your weekly claims on time, and keep looking for work. You'll get through this!

Also be aware that your first payment might take a couple weeks to arrive even after your claim is approved. Plan your finances accordingly and don't panic if you don't see money immediately.

I went through this same situation last year. The key things are: file right after your last day of work, do your weekly claims every week without fail, keep detailed job search records, and be patient with the process. It works, just takes time.

Don't stress too much about the process. Washington ESD has improved their systems a lot and most claims go through without major issues. Just be thorough and honest in your application.

If you run into any problems during the process, definitely try that Claimyr service. I had an issue with my claim getting stuck and couldn't reach anyone at ESD for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to an agent who resolved it in one call.

The most important thing is to start the process as soon as possible after your employment ends. Don't wait thinking you might find another job quickly - you can always stop filing weekly claims if you get hired, but you can't go back and claim benefits for weeks you didn't file.