


Ask the community...
One last technical note - Washington's unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted, meaning they account for predictable seasonal variations in employment (like agricultural work or holiday retail jobs). The raw numbers and seasonally adjusted numbers can be quite different.
I used Claimyr last month when I was confused about my eligibility after getting fired. The agent I talked to was really helpful in explaining exactly what documentation I needed and walked me through the process. Worth checking out if you want to talk to someone who actually knows the system.
Same here - I was going in circles trying to figure out if I qualified after my seasonal job ended. Claimyr got me connected with ESD quickly and sorted everything out.
Bottom line - if you were laid off or let go through no fault of your own, and you've been working and earning wages, you should apply. Washington ESD will review your case and tell you if you qualify. Don't let uncertainty stop you from getting benefits you might be entitled to.
For anyone still having trouble getting answers from Washington ESD directly, I also had success with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Really helped when I needed to sort out a payment issue and couldn't get through on the phone.
Bottom line for the OP - you should see your payment by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest if you filed Sunday and everything is processed normally. The Tuesday/Wednesday processing schedule is pretty reliable in my experience.
Adrian Hughes
Just want to add that if you're collecting standby benefits (like if you have a specific return date), the rules might be different. Make sure you understand which type of benefits you're on.
0 coins
Ryan Young
•How do you know which type you have? My layoff was permanent so I assume regular unemployment?
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•If it was a permanent layoff with no return date, that's regular UI benefits. Standby is for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer.
0 coins
Molly Chambers
Remember that even after your 26 weeks are up, your benefit year continues for the full 52 weeks. So if you find work and then lose it again within that year, you might be able to collect remaining benefits.
0 coins
Ian Armstrong
•That's a good point most people don't realize. The benefit year is longer than the actual benefit period.
0 coins
Ryan Young
•Thanks everyone for all this info. I feel much more prepared now to plan my job search around the 26 week timeline.
0 coins