When to file for unemployment with Washington ESD - timing questions

File as soon as possible after your last day of work! Washington ESD doesn't pay benefits for the week you're still employed, but there's no penalty for filing early. Your benefit year starts the Sunday of the week you file, so don't wait.

yeah i waited like 2 weeks to file and lost out on those benefits completely. washington esd doesn't backdate claims so file right away

Just went through this process myself. Filed my claim the day after my last day of work and had no issues. You don't need to wait for your final paycheck - Washington ESD will ask about any wages you earned during your weekly claims. The important thing is getting your claim started so your benefit year begins.

DONT WAIT!! I made this mistake and it cost me. Washington ESD is very strict about filing deadlines. File immediately after your last day of work, even if it's a weekend. The online system is available 24/7.

File right after your last day but make sure you have all your info ready. You'll need your SSN, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. Having everything organized will make the process smoother.

The timing thing confused me too when I got laid off. Filed on a Tuesday after my Friday layoff and everything worked out fine. Washington ESD calculates your benefit week starting Sunday regardless of when during the week you actually file.

ugh this whole system is so confusing. why cant they just make it simple and let you file whenever?? i've been calling washington esd for days trying to get answers about my claim timing

Filed mine on a Sunday night right after getting the news Friday. Got approved within a week. The key is having your employment info ready and being honest about your separation reason.

also make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still pending. missing those can mess up your benefits later

One thing to keep in mind - if you're getting severance pay, that might affect when your benefits actually start. Washington ESD will ask about any severance during the application process.

To summarize for anyone reading this: File immediately after your last day of work, don't wait for final paychecks or severance, have your employment history ready, and keep filing weekly claims even if your initial claim is pending. Washington ESD doesn't backdate, so timing matters.

Just want to add that if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone for any reason, there are services that can help. I used one called Claimyr recently and it worked really well for getting through to an actual agent.

Another tip: make sure you're eligible before filing. You need to have worked enough quarters and earned enough wages in your base period. Washington ESD will check this, but it saves time if you verify beforehand.

wish someone had told me all this when i got laid off last year. ended up losing like 3 weeks of benefits because i waited too long to file

The system can be slow during peak times, especially Monday mornings when everyone's filing weekly claims. If you hit issues, try filing at off-peak hours like evenings or weekends.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, don't panic. It's normal for them to review layoffs and separations. Just keep filing your weekly claims while you wait.

Final advice: keep records of everything - your layoff notice, final paystub, any correspondence with Washington ESD. You might need these later if there are any issues with your claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to file this Sunday after my last day Friday. Feel much more prepared now.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm in a similar situation and was completely lost about the timing. Now I know to file immediately and keep up with weekly claims.

One last thing - if you're worried about making mistakes on your application, Washington ESD does allow you to make corrections later, but it's easier to get it right the first time. Take your time filling it out.