When to apply for unemployment in Washington - timing questions

Thanks! Should I apply today then or wait until Monday since it's Friday?

You can apply any day online at esd.wa.gov. The system is available 24/7 so no need to wait for business hours.

Wait, so if I was laid off 3 weeks ago but just found out about unemployment now, I can't get benefits for those 3 weeks?

Correct - Washington ESD benefits start from your application date, not your separation date. You can't backdate claims except in very limited circumstances.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much time and stress.

Never heard of that but willing to try anything at this point. The phone system is impossible.

So if I file on Wednesday, my benefit week starts that Sunday? That's confusing.

Exactly. Washington ESD benefit weeks run Sunday through Saturday. Whatever week you file in, that's when your claim becomes effective.

This is super helpful, thank you! I'll file today then.

Good point! What if I don't remember exact dates from previous jobs?

do your best to estimate. you can always provide more accurate info later if needed. don't let missing a few dates stop you from filing

Take a deep breath! The application will ask for your separation reason and you can explain the layoff. If there are any issues, Washington ESD will investigate and you can provide documentation.

But what if they don't believe me? I'm freaking out about this.

If your employer contests your claim, you'll get a chance to present your side during the adjudication process. Have any layoff paperwork ready just in case.

I feel your pain but the system has gotten better since the pandemic mess. Still not perfect but more stable now.

Maybe slightly better but still a nightmare to deal with when you actually need help.

How do I file the weekly claims? Is it the same website?

Yes, same site. You'll log into your account and there will be a weekly claim option. Super easy once you do it the first time.

Severance can affect your benefits depending on how it's paid. If it's a lump sum for specific weeks, those weeks might not be payable. If it's just additional money, you report it on your weekly claims.

it's a lump sum but not tied to specific weeks, just general severance. still report it?

Yes, report all income on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your benefits.

How long did your adjudication take? Mine's been pending for 2 weeks now.

About 10 days for me. If it's taking longer you might want to try calling to check on it.

Yes, you need to be actively seeking work from day one. Keep track of your job search activities for your weekly claims.

Do I need to register with WorkSource too?

You should register with WorkSourceWA within a reasonable time after filing. It's part of the work search requirements.

There are services for that now! I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status. Much easier than trying to call directly.

Really? How does that work?

They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Found them at claimyr.com.

Yikes, that's exactly what I was worried about. Definitely filing today.

Yeah don't make his mistake. You can always stop claiming if you find work right away.

The online system is available 24/7. You can file your initial claim and weekly claims anytime that's convenient for you.

Perfect, thanks! I'll do it tonight after work.

So I have to file something every week? I thought it was just the one application.

Right, you file the initial claim once, then file a weekly claim every week you want benefits. Each weekly claim certifies that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

This thread has convinced me. Filing right now before I lose any more time.

Good choice! Better to have the claim started and deal with any issues as they come up rather than wait.

Yeah I saw people mentioning Claimyr earlier. Might be worth checking out if I run into problems.

Definitely keep it in mind. Sometimes having a real person to talk to about your claim makes all the difference.

That's reassuring! I was worried about filing on Friday thinking it might delay processing.

Nope, doesn't matter what day of the week. They process applications continuously.

Glad we could help! Remember to keep good records of your job search activities and file those weekly claims on time.

Will do! Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain everything.