When to file for unemployment after layoff - Washington ESD timing questions

File immediately! Don't wait for your severance to end. Washington ESD has a one-week waiting period anyway, so you want to get that clock started. You can file your claim as soon as your last day of actual work, even if you're still receiving pay.

The general rule is file within the first week after your last day of work. Waiting longer just delays everything unnecessarily. I made that mistake years ago and wished I had filed sooner.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about my severance timing. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person within minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration dealing with the phone system.

wait am i supposed to file right away too?? i got laid off 2 weeks ago and haven't filed yet because i thought i had to wait until all my final pay was done

For job search requirements, you need to register with WorkSourceWA and start your work search activities right away. Don't wait until your severance ends - the requirements kick in as soon as you're filing weekly claims.

The whole system is so confusing!! Why can't they just make it simple - you get laid off, you file, you get money. Instead there's all these rules about severance and waiting periods and job searches.

Quick tip - when you file your initial claim, make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history ready. Washington ESD will need details about your last employer including their business name, address, and your dates of employment.

I filed mine the day after I got laid off and I'm glad I did. The adjudication process took 3 weeks anyway so I would have been waiting even longer if I had delayed filing.

Another vote for filing immediately. I work in HR and always tell people to file ASAP. The worst thing that happens is you start the process early. The best thing is you don't lose any potential benefit time.

What if you're not sure if you qualify? Like what if you were technically fired but it was really a layoff due to budget cuts?

I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about timing and severance but could never get through. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked. Got connected to an agent who explained everything about how severance affects weekly claims. Worth the convenience when you're stressed about losing your job.

file now dont wait like i did

One thing to keep in mind is that your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your earnings in your base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So timing of when you file doesn't affect your benefit amount, but it does affect when you start receiving payments.

Also remember that you can file online at secure.esd.wa.gov which is usually faster than calling. The online system is available 24/7 except for maintenance windows.

Just want to add that even if you think you might find a job quickly, file anyway. You never know how long the job search will take and you want that safety net in place.

Has anyone had issues with their employer disputing the claim? My company is going through financial troubles and I'm worried they might fight unemployment claims to save money.

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I ended up using them again when I had questions about my job search log requirements. Really convenient when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD without the hassle of the regular phone system. The claimyr.com website explains it better than I can.

Don't forget that Washington state has some additional resources through WorkSourceWA beyond just the job search requirements. They have career counseling and training programs that might be helpful during your unemployment period.

Update us on how your filing goes! Always curious to hear how the process works for different people.

Good luck with everything! The unemployment system can be frustrating but most people do get through it eventually. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.