When do I have to file my weekly unemployment claim with Washington ESD?

You need to file your weekly claim during your assigned week, which is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number. Most people can file starting Sunday at 6 AM through the following Saturday at 11:59 PM. Don't wait until the last minute though - if you miss your week you could lose that week's benefits.

I always file mine on Sunday mornings right when the system opens at 6 AM. Less traffic on the website and it gets it out of the way for the week.

If you're having trouble getting through to ask Washington ESD about your filing schedule, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

MAKE SURE you file every single week even if you worked some hours or didn't look for jobs that week. You still report it but Washington ESD needs that weekly claim filed to keep your benefits active. I learned this the hard way.

The system usually opens Sunday at 6 AM and closes Saturday at 11:59 PM for your assigned week. I set a phone reminder for Sunday mornings so I never forget.

Wait I'm confused... I thought you could file anytime during the week? My neighbor said she files hers on Wednesdays.

Pro tip: always file during the week you're supposed to, but if something goes wrong with the website or you have technical issues, screenshot everything. Washington ESD can sometimes help if you have proof you tried to file on time.

I've been filing for 6 months now and honestly the hardest part was figuring out the schedule at first. Once you get into the routine it's pretty automatic. Just don't overthink it.

Also remember that if you need to talk to Washington ESD about your weekly claims or any issues, calling early morning right when they open gives you the best chance. Or use something like Claimyr to get through faster - saved my sanity during adjudication.

One thing nobody told me - if you move or change your address you need to update it before filing your weekly claim or it can cause issues with your payments.

Just file it every week during your assigned time and you'll be fine. The system will walk you through the questions. Don't stress too much about it.

If you're really paranoid like me, you can always call Washington ESD to confirm your filing schedule, but honestly it's all on their website under weekly claim filing. Just look up your SSN's last digit.

I missed my first week because I didn't understand the schedule and it took forever to straighten out. Don't be like me - figure out your assigned week ASAP.

The Washington ESD mobile app makes filing pretty easy if you prefer doing it on your phone instead of the computer.

Bottom line: check the Washington ESD website for your specific filing week based on your SSN, set a reminder, and file sometime between Sunday 6 AM and Saturday 11:59 PM during YOUR assigned week. Miss that window and you're in for a headache.

And remember to keep track of your job search activities if you're required to do them. Washington ESD can ask for that info during your weekly filing.

Filing weekly claims becomes second nature after a while. Just don't get complacent and forget to do it!

If anyone ends up needing to call Washington ESD about their weekly claims and can't get through, seriously check out Claimyr. They basically call for you and get you connected to an agent. Super helpful when you're dealing with claim issues or questions about filing schedules.

Been filing for 8 months now and never had an issue as long as I stick to my assigned week. Sunday mornings work best for me - less traffic on the site.

The key is just being consistent and not overthinking it. File during your assigned week, answer the questions honestly, and you'll be fine.