Can I sign up for unemployment online Washington ESD - confused about the process

Yes you can absolutely file online! Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

Make sure you file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week and benefits are calculated from when you file, not when you lost your job. I made that mistake and lost a week of benefits.

The online system works fine but getting through to Washington ESD by phone if you have questions is nearly impossible. I spent weeks trying to call them about my claim status. Finally used claimyr.com which connects you directly to ESD agents - saved me so much time and frustration. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

filing online is easy but be prepared for the system to be slow during peak hours. I tried filing on a Monday morning and it kept timing out. Finally got through later in the evening.

Just a heads up - after you file online you'll need to do weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Don't forget to do those or you won't get benefits even if you're approved. I almost missed my first one because nobody told me.

Also make sure you have direct deposit info ready when you file. Getting checks by mail takes way longer and sometimes they get lost. You'll need your bank routing number and account number.

The Washington ESD website has been pretty reliable lately. I remember during COVID it was a nightmare but they've improved the system a lot. Just make sure you're on the right site - esd.wa.gov is the official one.

One thing to watch out for - if you get any kind of severance pay or vacation payout, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD has rules about that stuff so make sure you report it accurately when you file.

The hardest part for me was remembering all my previous employers. I had to dig through old tax returns to get the exact company names and addresses. Start gathering that info before you sit down to file.

After you file online, you should get a confirmation number. Write that down! You'll need it if you have to call Washington ESD about anything. Though honestly good luck getting through on the phone without using something like claimyr.

make sure your address is correct when you file because that's where they'll mail important documents. i moved recently and almost missed my eligibility interview notice because it went to my old address

The job search requirements in Washington are pretty reasonable compared to other states. You need to make 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. You can do this through WorkSourceWA or track it yourself, but keep good records.

If your claim gets flagged for any reason and goes into adjudication, that's when you'll really need to talk to someone at ESD. The automated system can't help with that stuff. I used claimyr.com to get through when mine got stuck and they resolved it in one call.

Don't stress too much about the online filing process. It's pretty straightforward and they walk you through each step. Just have your info ready and take your time reading the questions.

One last tip - after you submit your application, you'll get an email confirmation and then usually hear back within a few days about whether you're approved. Don't panic if it takes a week or so, that's normal.

The Washington ESD website also has a really good FAQ section that answers most common questions. I'd recommend bookmarking that page because you'll probably have more questions as you go through the process.

Good luck! The system works well once you get through the initial filing. Just remember to do your weekly claims and keep looking for work. You got this!

yeah this thread has been way more helpful than the official ESD website FAQ lol. real people giving real advice is so much better

Just remember if you do run into any issues that require talking to ESD directly, don't waste weeks trying to call them. Services like claimyr exist for a reason - the phone system is overwhelmed and you can save yourself a lot of stress.

Best of luck with your claim! The unemployment system in Washington is actually pretty good once you figure out how to navigate it. Just be patient and persistent.