When do you sign up for unemployment benefits in Washington - timing questions

So I can file this weekend right after my last day Friday? I thought maybe I had to wait until Monday or something.

Yes, you can file online at esd.wa.gov any day of the week, 24/7. The system is always available for new claims.

That's helpful to know! So the actual day within the week doesn't really matter then for when the benefits start?

Exactly. The benefit year always starts on Sunday regardless of which day you file during that week.

Oh that makes sense. So I wouldn't get paid for this current week since I worked part of it, but I could still file my claim this weekend?

Right, you can and should file this weekend. You just won't be eligible for benefits for any week where you worked, even partially.

How much does something like that cost? I'm about to be unemployed so trying to watch my spending.

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was worth it just to avoid the stress of calling over and over.

I've heard of services like that but never tried one. Did they actually help you get better answers than the website?

That's a good point. I tend to overthink these things and want everything to be perfect before I submit.

yeah same here but with unemployment you really just want to get the ball rolling. you can always update info later if needed

Good to know. I have most of that info but might need to dig up some old pay stubs. Is it okay if I don't have exact dates?

Best to be as accurate as possible, but approximate dates are better than not filing at all. You can always provide additional documentation later if needed.

No, you don't need to wait for your final paycheck. You can file as soon as your employment ends. Just report the final pay when you receive it on your weekly claim.

Thanks, that's one less thing to worry about during an already stressful time.

I'll definitely check that out. Is it easy to find on their site?

Yeah, it's right on the main unemployment page. Look for 'Before You Apply' or something similar.

When do the weekly claims start? The week after I file my initial claim?

Your first weekly claim will be for the first full week after you became unemployed. The system will tell you when to file it.

Got it, so I need to remember to keep filing every week. I'll set a reminder on my phone.

That's reassuring to hear. Was the application straightforward or were there confusing parts?

Pretty straightforward if you have your employment info ready. The hardest part was remembering exact dates but like others said, close estimates worked fine.

Good point. I work in Washington state so definitely filing with Washington ESD.

Perfect. Just wanted to mention it since remote work makes these things more complicated sometimes.

Severance pay can affect your eligibility timing. You should still file your claim right away, but report the severance pay. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your benefits.

Thanks, I'll make sure to report it accurately when I file.

When do the job search requirements start? Right away or is there a grace period?

Usually starts after your first week of benefits, but check the specific requirements on the Washington ESD site. You need to keep detailed records of your job search activities.

Yeah, that seems to be the consensus. File as soon as possible after your last day.

Definitely going to do that. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

The site can be slow during peak times, especially Monday mornings. Try filing during off-peak hours like evenings or weekends if possible.

Good tip, I'll try to file during off-peak times to avoid any technical issues.

Good to hear another positive experience with it. I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues.

Yeah, definitely worth considering if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation.

How will I know if my claim was approved or if there are any issues?

The determination letter will tell you if you're approved and what your weekly benefit amount will be. You can also check your account online for updates.

You're welcome! I learned a lot from everyone's responses too. Definitely going to file this weekend.

Same here. Good luck with your claim!

Perfect summary! That covers all the main points from this discussion.

Glad this thread was helpful for everyone. Good luck to all who need to file claims!

Absolutely. It's good to know there are options if I need help navigating the system.

Exactly. The important thing is to file your claim and then work through any issues that come up.