Can I still apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD right now?

Yes, you can absolutely still apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD! There's no deadline to miss - you can file your initial claim anytime after you become unemployed. Actually, you should file as soon as possible because your benefit year starts the week you file, not the week you lost your job. Go to esd.wa.gov and click on 'Apply for Benefits' to get started.

The sooner the better! Washington ESD processes new applications all the time. When you file, make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation ready. The system will walk you through everything step by step. After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to file my claim last month. Kept getting busy signals and the website was slow. If you run into issues like that, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

ugh the washington esd website is such a pain to navigate sometimes. took me forever to figure out where to apply when i lost my job

One thing to remember - Washington ESD has work search requirements now. You'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep track of them in your online account. This includes things like applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking activities, etc. Make sure you understand these requirements before you start filing weekly claims.

Just wanted to add - if you quit your job instead of being laid off, you might not be eligible for benefits. Washington ESD will review your separation reason and decide if you qualify. Being laid off should definitely qualify you though.

Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week! I think the deadline is Saturday night but don't quote me on that. If you miss filing a weekly claim you lose that week's benefits permanently.

I remember when I first applied it took like 2-3 weeks before I got my first payment. Don't panic if it doesn't happen right away - there's usually some processing time involved, especially if they need to verify your employment history.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication for some reason, that's when you really might need to call Washington ESD to get it moving. The phone lines are always busy though. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier might be worth looking into if that happens.

also dont forget you have to report any income you earn while collecting unemployment, even if its just a few hours of part time work. washington esd will reduce your benefits based on what you earn but you can still get partial benefits

The whole process is pretty straightforward once you get started. Washington ESD has improved their online system a lot over the past few years. Just have patience with the initial setup and make sure you keep filing those weekly claims every week.

One more tip - create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't already have one. You'll need that to access your Washington ESD account and file claims online.

if you need help reaching someone at washington esd by phone and cant get through, i had success with claimyr too. saved me hours of calling and redialing. the website is claimyr.com and they show you exactly how it works

Just remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them later when you file your tax return. Something to keep in mind for next year.

The most important thing is just to get started with your application. Washington ESD is definitely still accepting new claims and processing them regularly. Don't overthink it - the system will guide you through everything you need to know.