When to file unemployment after layoff - Washington ESD timing questions

File immediately! Don't wait. Washington ESD processes claims based on when you file, not when you were laid off. You can file online 24/7 at their website. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim starts processing. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, so delaying just pushes everything back further.

yeah file right away, I made the mistake of waiting a week after my layoff thinking I needed to wait and it just delayed my whole claim for no reason

The Washington ESD system is pretty clear about this - file as soon as possible after your separation from employment. You'll need your employer information, Social Security number, and details about your last day of work. Make sure you have your employer's business name and address exactly as it appears on your paystub. The waiting week is built into the system automatically, so don't try to account for it yourself by waiting to file.

I was in a similar situation last year and couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone for weeks. Ended up using Claimyr.com to actually reach a representative. They have this system that calls you back when an agent is available instead of you sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Honestly saved me so much frustration trying to get my claim sorted out.

Wait I thought there was a mandatory waiting period before you could even apply? My friend told me you have to wait a week after being laid off.

FILE NOW!! I cannot stress this enough. The Washington ESD system is backlogged and every day counts. Don't listen to people who say wait - that's old information or confusion with other states. Washington processes claims in the order received.

Just to add - when you file, make sure you answer all questions honestly about why you were laid off. If it was a reduction in force or lack of work, that's typically considered no fault of your own and you'll qualify. If there were performance issues, you might face some adjudication.

also heads up the website can be slow especially on mondays when everyone tries to file their weekly claims at the same time

The timing thing stressed me out too when I got laid off. Filed on a Saturday and was worried it wouldn't count until Monday, but Washington ESD processes weekend applications just fine. The key is getting your claim in the system as soon as possible.

One thing to watch out for - if you received any severance pay, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD has specific rules about how severance impacts your claim timing.

File ASAP but also start looking for work immediately. Washington ESD requires you to actively search for employment and keep a job search log. Don't wait until after your claim is approved to start job hunting.

The earlier you file, the earlier you can start building your work search record too. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the job search requirements, so you want to get started on that right away.

If you run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things straightened out.

Just wanted to second what everyone else is saying - file immediately. I waited 3 days after my layoff because I was confused about the process and I always wondered if those 3 days delayed my whole claim. Don't make the same mistake.

Make sure you have all your paperwork ready before you start the online application. Nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you don't have your employer's federal ID number or something.

The waiting week is just the first week of your claim - you'll file a weekly claim but won't get paid for that week. After that, as long as you're eligible, you'll get paid for each week you file. So file now and start the clock ticking!

Also be prepared for potential delays in processing. Even though you should file immediately, Washington ESD can take a few weeks to process claims, especially if there are any complications or if they need additional information from you or your employer.

File today! The weekend doesn't matter for online applications. I filed my claim on a Sunday and it was processed the same as if I'd filed on a weekday. Washington ESD's online system works around the clock.

Quick tip - when you file, you'll create an account with SecureAccess Washington if you don't already have one. Write down your login info and keep it safe because you'll need to log in every week to file your weekly claim.

Don't overthink it - just file now. Washington ESD has made the process pretty straightforward online. The most important thing is getting your claim started so you can begin the waiting period and get your case in the queue for processing.