When do I need to file unemployment with Washington ESD - timing questions

File IMMEDIATELY! Don't wait at all. Washington ESD has a waiting week but you still need to get your claim started right away. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. Your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you lost your job.

yeah file asap but just know it takes forever to get approved these days. mine took like 6 weeks just to get through adjudication

The key thing people don't realize is that you need to file your weekly claims EVERY week starting the week after you file your initial claim, even if your claim is still pending. Missing weekly claims can mess up your whole benefit timeline.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions (their phone lines are always busy), I discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Here's the official timeline: File your initial claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. Washington has a one-week waiting period, so you won't get paid for your first eligible week. Start filing weekly claims the Sunday after you file your initial claim. Keep filing every week even if your claim is pending adjudication.

omg the Washington ESD system is so confusing!! I waited two weeks to file thinking I needed to wait and then found out I should have filed immediately. Lost two weeks of potential benefits because of bad advice from a friend.

Also make sure you understand the job search requirements right from the start. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Don't wait until later to figure this out.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov - it's way faster than trying to call. The website walks you through everything step-by-step. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready before you start.

I made the mistake of not filing right away and it cost me. My employer contested my claim and because I waited to file, it took even longer to resolve. File immediately even if you think your employer might contest it.

The most important thing is DON'T DELAY. I've seen so many people on here who waited weeks to file thinking they needed to wait for some reason. Washington ESD makes it clear - file as soon as you're unemployed through no fault of your own.

Just want to add that if you run into problems reaching Washington ESD by phone later (and you probably will), that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works. I was skeptical at first but when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks, I used it and finally got through to an agent the same day.

URGENT REMINDER: Keep copies of everything! Screenshot your application, print confirmation pages, save all correspondence. Washington ESD systems can be glitchy and you want proof of what you submitted and when.

been unemployed 3 times in the last 5 years (thanks construction industry) and every single time the answer is file immediately. Don't overthink it, just do it.

Quick question - does it matter what time of day you file? Like is the system slower at certain times?

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, make sure you file in the right state. Usually it's where you worked most recently, but there are exceptions.

Last bit of advice - after you file, sign up for job alerts on WorkSource and Indeed right away. Makes the job search requirement much easier to meet when opportunities are coming to your inbox automatically.

Thanks to everyone who helped answer the timing question! This thread is going to help a lot of people who are confused about when to file with Washington ESD.

For anyone reading this later - the advice here is solid. File immediately, don't wait, keep filing weekly claims even if pending, and start job searching right away. That's the formula for success with Washington ESD unemployment.