Can I file for unemployment online with Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do I need any specific documents before I start the application?

Yeah, have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. You'll also want your most recent pay stub and any separation paperwork from your employer.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved after filing online?

Mine was approved within a week, but I had a pretty straightforward layoff situation. Some people get stuck in adjudication if there are any issues with their claim.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah, got connected to an agent within 30 minutes when I'd been trying to call for days on my own. They were able to explain why my claim was taking so long to process.

Hmm sounds too good to be true but if it works...

Good point, I definitely don't want to lose any benefits by waiting too long.

Actually I think they got rid of the waiting week a while back? But yeah, file ASAP regardless.

Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then use a different browser if possible. Sometimes Chrome works better than others for the ESD site.

ok ill try that thanks

I had the same problem! Switched to Firefox and it worked fine. Their site doesn't play nice with all browsers apparently.

What kind of mistakes typically cause problems?

Things like incorrect dates of employment, wrong reason for separation, or forgetting to mention part-time work. Just double-check everything before submitting.

Wait, claim renewal? I thought you only filed once?

Sorry, I meant my weekly claim certification. You file once for benefits but then have to certify every week that you're still eligible. That's also done online now.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career counseling, updating your resume, etc. You have to log them in WorkSourceWA. It's all explained in the packet they send you.

Yeah the job search requirement is no joke. They actually check up on it sometimes.

You can usually upload photos of your documents directly through the online portal. Make sure they're clear and readable.

Thanks, I was worried I'd have to mail physical copies or something.

That's good that it saved your progress at least!

Yeah I was relieved. Just had to re-enter like 2 pages worth of info.

Good to know! I always skip reading those help sections but sounds like they're actually useful.

Yeah especially for the employment history section where you have to list all your jobs. The help text explains exactly what info they want.

How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it to actually talk to a human instead of listening to busy signals all day. Check out their site if you're having trouble getting through.

Good tip, I'll make sure to save that when I file.

Also screenshot the confirmation page if possible. Sometimes it's helpful to have proof you submitted on a specific date.

Why Mondays specifically?

That's when most people get laid off or find out about layoffs over the weekend. Plus people put off filing until Monday.

Yeah I almost missed an important message about my job search requirements because it went to spam.

Exactly! I always tell people to add Washington ESD email addresses to their contacts to avoid that.

Same here! Feeling much more confident about the process now.

Good luck to both of you! The online system really isn't that bad once you get started.

That's pretty impressive. Might have to check that out if I run into issues with my claim.

Yeah it's nice to have as a backup option when you really need to talk to someone at ESD. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it works too.

Thanks to everyone who replied! This was super helpful. Filing my claim now.

Hope everything goes smoothly for you!