When do I file for unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about timing

So I should file immediately on Monday after my last day on Friday? And the severance will just push back when I actually get paid?

Exactly! File Monday if possible. The severance will be allocated across the weeks it covers, so you won't get UI benefits for those weeks, but your claim will be active and processing.

Oh no, I'm glad I asked! I was thinking I should wait until I knew for sure I couldn't find work right away.

Yeah, this is super common. Washington ESD can't pay you for weeks before you filed, even if you were eligible. The system doesn't work backwards.

Thank you! This is really helpful. I'll make sure to file that Monday morning with all my paperwork ready.

Wait, I thought there was still a waiting week? When did that change?

The waiting week was suspended during the pandemic and hasn't been reinstated. You can receive benefits for your first week of eligible unemployment as long as you file timely.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an agent. Saved me hours of calling and getting nowhere. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. That's the only time I've ever gotten through on my own.

Good to know. I definitely want to be honest about everything. Better to delay benefits than have to pay money back later.

yeah my friend got hit with an overpayment notice for not reporting severance. they wanted like $4000 back plus penalties

This thread is really convincing me to file right away. I had no idea the timing was so critical.

Same thing happened to me. Lost a month of benefits because I thought I had to wait. These systems are not user-friendly at all.

So I file weekly even if I know I won't get paid that week because of severance?

Exactly. It's like checking in to keep your claim alive. You report the severance and they'll show $0 benefit for that week, but your claim stays active.

I think it's because they're trying to prevent fraud and make sure people only claim for weeks they're actually unemployed. But yeah, it's confusing.

Still seems like they could make it more user-friendly. Most people have no idea about these timing rules.

You would claim for the full week that includes your Friday. Unemployment weeks run Sunday to Saturday, so if Friday was your last day, you'd claim for the partial week that includes Friday through Saturday.

How quickly did they get you connected?

Took about 15 minutes. Way better than the 4 hours I spent on hold the day before with nothing to show for it.

Thanks! I'll gather all that stuff this weekend so I'm ready to file Monday morning.

You can file online 24/7 at esd.wa.gov. The phone lines are only open during business hours, but the website works anytime.

perfect, thanks!

Yes, absolutely file right away. Your claim will be processed and ready to go when your severance period ends. If you wait, you'll have to start the whole process from scratch after your severance runs out.

That makes sense. Better to have everything set up and ready to go.

I'll check that out. Thanks for the specific page reference!

Oh I didn't know about that requirement. Is that something I do right away too?

Yes, you need to register within a certain timeframe. The Washington ESD website will tell you exactly when based on your situation.

Thanks for the encouragement. This whole thread has been really helpful in preparing me for what to expect.

It's a company-wide layoff due to budget cuts, so hopefully that won't be an issue. But good to know it could happen.

Agreed! I feel so much more prepared now. I'll definitely file first thing Monday morning.

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