One last thing - make sure you apply as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's usually a waiting period and you want to get that clock started.

Good luck OP! The initial application is the hardest part. Once you get through that, the weekly claims are much easier to manage.

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employment information ready and file online if possible - it's faster than calling in.

And remember, if you run into any issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Just want to add that the customer service reps are generally helpful once you actually get through. The problem is just the volume of calls they're dealing with. Be patient and polite - they're doing their best with an overwhelmed system.

Hope this helps everyone! The key is persistence and having multiple strategies. Don't rely on just one approach - try calling at different times, use the messaging system, and consider services like Claimyr if you're really stuck.

Whatever you do, don't lie about your wages or work history when filing. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers and if they catch you lying it's considered fraud.

If your benefit amount seems too low when you get your determination letter, you can appeal it. Sometimes they make mistakes or don't have all your wage information.

One last tip - set up notifications in your account so you get reminders about when to file your weekly claims. Missing even one week can cause delays in your payments.

Good luck with everything! The first few weeks are always the most stressful but it gets easier. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you get stuck.