When to file for unemployment benefits in Washington - timing questions

Thank you! So I file based on when I stop working, not when the paychecks stop? That makes sense.

Exactly right. I learned this the hard way when I waited too long and lost out on benefits for that first week.

2 weeks isn't too bad. Did you have any issues with the application process?

Pretty straightforward online, just make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation etc.

Never heard of that but honestly might be worth it. I spent 4 hours trying to call Washington ESD last time I had an issue.

Is that legit? Seems too good to be true that someone can actually get you through to Washington ESD.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling all day.

Good point, I'll wait until after my last day of work for sure.

What kind of mess did it create? Now I'm worried I did something wrong with my claim.

When are those weekly filing days? Is it the same for everyone?

It's based on the last digit of your Social Security number. Washington ESD will tell you your specific days when you file your initial claim.

I always file on Sundays just to be safe. Never had an issue doing it that way.

3 activities per week? What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, updating your resume, creating job profiles on websites. Just make sure to document everything.

Sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. That can take several weeks unfortunately. You should try calling to find out what's causing the delay.

tried calling like 50 times, always busy or they hang up on me

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Perfect situation for their service - they specialize in getting through to Washington ESD when you can't reach them yourself.

That's weird, why don't they use your most recent wages?

It's because employers need time to report wages to the state. There's also an alternate base period they can use in some cases if your regular base period doesn't give you enough wages to qualify.

I'm being laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be fine right?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work usually qualify. Just make sure your employer reports it correctly to Washington ESD.

This is great advice. I've had forms disappear on me before on government websites.

Good thinking, I'll definitely do that when I file next week.

I didn't even think about taxes, thanks for mentioning that.

Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way. Owed like $800 at tax time because I didn't have taxes withheld from my unemployment.

I'm not getting severance, just getting paid through the end of the year for unused vacation time.

Vacation payout usually doesn't delay benefits like severance does, but mention it when you file just to be safe.

I feel your pain. The phone system is definitely overwhelmed.

This is why services like Claimyr exist - they basically solve the problem of not being able to get through to Washington ESD by phone. Worth checking out if you keep having connection issues.

At this point I'm willing to try anything to avoid sitting on hold for hours.

Good to know, hopefully I won't need to appeal but it's good to know the option exists.

The appeals process can take months though, so definitely try to get your initial claim right the first time.

Thanks, I'll double-check all my contact info when I set up my account.

And check your spam folder regularly! Sometimes Washington ESD emails end up there.