When should you apply for unemployment benefits in Washington - timing question

Apply as soon as possible! There's a waiting week in Washington but that doesn't mean you should delay filing. You want to get your claim started immediately after your last day of work. The sooner you file, the sooner Washington ESD can process everything.

I waited almost a week to apply and regretted it big time. You lose those days and can't get them back. File online at esd.wa.gov right now if you can.

The rule is to apply within the first week after your last day of work. Don't wait! Even if there's a waiting week, you want to get that clock started. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks about my claim status and can't get through to anyone.

file immediately dont wait at all!!!!! i made that mistake and it delayed my first payment by like 3 weeks

The waiting week is built into the system automatically. When you file your first weekly claim, that becomes your waiting week. But you need to file the initial application as soon as possible after separation. Washington ESD processes claims based on when you file, not when you lost your job.

I filed the day after I got laid off and everything went smoothly. Had my first payment about 2 weeks later after the waiting week. The key is getting all your employer info ready when you file.

Don't overthink it. File today, file tomorrow, just don't wait more than a few days. The longer you wait the more you're hurting yourself financially.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you're eligible before filing. If you quit voluntarily or got fired for misconduct, you might not qualify. But if you were laid off like you said, you should be fine.

I had a similar situation last year and used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim timing. Really helped avoid the endless busy signals and hold times. Worth checking out if you run into any issues with your application.

Just to add - when you file, make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy. The online application will ask for that info and it's easier to have it ready.

One more thing - after you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. Don't forget about that part. Set a reminder on your phone for the same day each week.

i filed mine like 6 months after i got fired and they still approved it but i lost all those months of benefits obviously so yeah file asap

The Washington ESD website has all this info but it's buried in there. Main thing is don't delay filing your initial claim. Every day you wait is money you can't get back.

For what it's worth, I always tell people to file within 24-48 hours of job loss if possible. Gives Washington ESD time to process everything and you don't risk forgetting important details about your separation.

I waited almost two weeks because I was embarrassed about filing for unemployment. Wish I hadn't - there's no shame in using benefits you paid into through your taxes.

Final advice - file today if you can. The application takes about 30-45 minutes online and then Washington ESD will mail you information about next steps. Don't let pride or confusion delay you getting the benefits you're entitled to.

One last thing - if you run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to Washington ESD about your application, remember that Claimyr service I mentioned. It really does help with getting through their phone system when you need actual human help.

Good thread! This info will help other people too. The timing question comes up a lot.

Filing unemployment was actually easier than I expected. The hardest part is just getting started. Once you file that first claim, the weekly ones are pretty straightforward.

Bottom line: apply immediately, don't wait, file online at esd.wa.gov. Everything else can be figured out later but you need to get that claim started ASAP.