When do you have to file for unemployment Washington ESD - timing questions

Thanks! Do you know how far back they'll let you backdate? I'm worried about those 3 weeks.

Usually they'll backdate up to one year if you have good cause for the delay. Waiting to see if you'd be recalled is often considered good cause.

That's reassuring. Did you have to provide any documentation or just explain in writing?

Just had to write an explanation in the claim form. They asked why I didn't file sooner and I explained I was waiting to hear back about returning to work.

This is exactly right. I tell everyone to file right away because there's no penalty for filing if you end up not needing it, but there can be complications if you wait.

Good point. I definitely learned my lesson for next time, hopefully there won't be a next time though!

Never heard of that service. Did it actually work for getting through to someone?

Yeah, got connected within like 10 minutes. The agent was able to pull up my claim and approve the backdating on the spot. Way better than spending hours on hold.

Interesting, might have to check that out. I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my adjudication.

That's encouraging. Do you know if there's a specific form for requesting backdating or is it just part of the initial claim?

It's part of the initial claim process. There's a section where they ask about the date you want your claim to start and why you're requesting that date.

The job search requirements can definitely be tricky. You need to make 3 job contacts per week and keep detailed records in your WorkSourceWA account.

yeah learned that the hard way. had to appeal a disqualification because my job search log wasn't detailed enough

Oh, so I'd need to file weekly claims for the past 3 weeks too? How does that work?

Yes, you'll file them all when you set up your claim. The system will prompt you to certify for each week you're claiming, including the backdated weeks.

This is correct. I had to do this when I backdated my claim 6 weeks. It was a bit tedious but worth it to get those weeks covered.

I'm not in a union, just regular unemployment situation. Good to know there are different rules for different situations though.

Yeah, standby is pretty specific. Sounds like regular UI is what you need, so the backdating should work fine for you.

Definitely recommend it. Saved me so much frustration compared to calling directly. The wait times on the regular number are insane.

Same here, been calling for weeks with no luck. Will check out their video demo and see if it's worth trying.

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm going to file tonight and request the backdating. Fingers crossed!

Good luck! Just be thorough in your explanation about waiting to see if you'd be recalled.

That's good to know. So I'd still have to serve the waiting week even with backdating?

Yes, everyone has to serve one waiting week per benefit year. But at least you wouldn't lose those other weeks to the delay.

This is correct. The waiting week is just part of how the system works, separate from any backdating issues.

Good point. I should gather my pay stubs and employment verification letter before I start.

Exactly. The more documentation you have ready, the less likely you are to run into delays or requests for additional information.

I hear you on the adjudication delays. Mine took 4 weeks but eventually got resolved. The system is frustrating but it does work eventually.

Eventually being the key word. Meanwhile bills don't wait for Washington ESD to figure things out.

Thanks for mentioning that. I'll make sure to do that right after I file my claim.

Good plan. It's better to get it done early than risk any complications with your benefits.

That's really helpful advice from someone who deals with this professionally. I wish I had known that 3 weeks ago!

Live and learn! At least you know for the future, and 3 weeks really isn't that bad compared to some delays I've seen.

Good to know. If I can't get through on the phone, I might try that Claimyr service that was mentioned.

That's probably your best bet if you need to talk to someone quickly. The regular phone lines are swamped most of the time.

Great to hear! You should be in good shape with your explanation about waiting to see if you'd be recalled.

Excellent! Thanks for updating us. Hope everything goes smoothly from here.

Awesome! If you run into any issues during the process, that Claimyr service is there if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.