


Ask the community...
I had success using Claimyr after weeks of trying to get through myself. It's worth checking out if you're really stuck - they basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they get an agent. Much better than spending your whole day calling.
Bottom line - there are no walk-in unemployment offices in Washington anymore. It's all phone and online. Your best bet is calling first thing in the morning or using a service to help you get through.
Seriously consider the Claimyr option if you keep getting stuck. It made all the difference for me getting my adjudication resolved.
File online at esd.wa.gov - it's way easier than trying to call. The online application walks you through everything step by step. Just be honest about the termination reason and provide your perspective in the comments section.
Bottom line - getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. Performance issues rarely rise to the level of misconduct unless there was willful wrongdoing or repeated policy violations. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.
The Washington ESD system is honestly pretty broken. I've seen people get denied for the most ridiculous reasons, then get approved on appeal for the exact same information. Sometimes it's just a computer glitch or someone made a mistake reviewing your file.
Update us when you figure out what the issue was! I'm curious if it was the WorkSource registration thing. That seems to trip up a lot of people and they don't make it clear that it's required.
Just remember that unemployment benefits are temporary. Even if you get approved, make sure you have a plan for when the benefits end. The average time to find a job is getting longer.
One more thing - some lenders will want to see that you're actively job searching. Keep records of your applications and interviews as proof you're working toward employment.
Diego Rojas
Sorry to jump in late, but I wanted to mention that if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation, I had good luck with a service called Claimyr. They helped me get through to an actual person when I had questions about my remaining benefit weeks. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works.
0 coins
Miguel Silva
•A few people have mentioned that service now. Sounds like it might be worth trying if I need to call them.
0 coins
Anastasia Sokolov
•Yeah, I've seen Claimyr mentioned in other threads too. Seems legit for getting through the phone maze at Washington ESD.
0 coins
Anastasia Sokolov
Bottom line for anyone reading this: Washington state gives you up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits within a benefit year that lasts 52 weeks from when you file. Keep filing weekly, meet your job search requirements, and don't wait until the last minute to plan your next steps. The system isn't perfect but it's there to help bridge you to your next job.
0 coins
Miguel Silva
•Thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about understanding the system now.
0 coins
StarSeeker
•Glad you got the info you needed. Good luck with your job search!
0 coins