When should I file for unemployment - what day is best for Washington ESD claims?

File as soon as possible! The day you file doesn't really matter for your benefit year - what matters is when your job separation occurred. Washington ESD will backdate your claim to your last day of work anyway. Don't wait around thinking about it.

I always heard you should file on Sunday because that's when the week starts for unemployment purposes. Is that not true?

The sooner you file the better. I made the mistake of waiting a week after I got laid off because I thought I might get called back. Ended up losing that week of benefits because I didn't file in time. Washington ESD has a waiting period anyway, so get your claim started ASAP.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to file (their phone lines are always busy), you might want to try Claimyr. I used it when I couldn't get through last month and it worked great. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I've been trying to file for three days now and keep getting error messages on the Washington ESD website. Is anyone else having issues with the system being down or glitchy?

File immediately but be prepared for adjudication if there's any complexity to your separation. My claim got stuck in adjudication for 6 weeks because I had some part-time work the week before I got laid off.

honestly the whole system is a mess, doesn't matter what day you file you'll probably have problems anyway. took me 2 months to get my first payment last year

File today! I waited thinking I'd hear back from another job interview and ended up losing two weeks of benefits. Even if you get a job offer later, you can always close your claim.

Make sure you have all your documents ready before you start the application. You'll need your social security card, ID, and information about your last employer. Also have your bank account info if you want direct deposit.

Whatever you do, don't wait until you're desperate for money. File as soon as you know you're unemployed. The process can take weeks even for simple claims.

I filed on a Wednesday last month and had no issues. Day of the week definitely doesn't matter for initial claims. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on Sunday once you're approved.

Pro tip: if you can't get through online, try calling early in the morning. I called at 7:30 AM and got through right away. But honestly, after dealing with their busy phone lines, I'd recommend trying Claimyr if you're having trouble connecting.

File immediately but keep looking for work while you wait. The job search requirements are pretty strict and you need to be able to show you're actively looking.

Don't overthink it. File today if you can. The worst thing you can do is wait and lose benefits you're entitled to.

Just a heads up - if you were fired rather than laid off, be prepared for potential complications. They'll want to investigate the circumstances of your separation.

My experience: filed on a Tuesday, got approved the following Friday. The day you file doesn't affect processing time at all.

File ASAP and then focus on your job search. Don't let unemployment become a crutch - use it as a bridge while you find your next opportunity.

When I had trouble reaching Washington ESD for help with my claim, I ended up using Claimyr and it was a game changer. Got connected to an agent in minutes instead of hours. Definitely worth checking out if you run into issues.

Update us once you file! Always curious to hear how the process goes for people.