Can you apply for unemployment online Washington ESD - need help with application process

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment online through the Washington ESD website. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'File a Claim' section. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, employment history for the last 18 months including dates and employer contact info, and your banking information if you want direct deposit. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your documents ready.

The online application is pretty straightforward but make sure you have accurate employer information. Washington ESD will contact your previous employers to verify your work history and reason for separation. If there are any discrepancies it can delay your claim processing.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my application last month. The phone lines are always busy and their online messaging system is slow to respond. If you run into issues trying to reach them, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual ESD agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial application is still being processed. You can miss out on benefits if you don't stay current with your weekly filings. The system will prompt you to file every Sunday.

ugh the washington esd website can be so glitchy sometimes, i tried applying twice last year and it kept timing out on me. ended up having to call anyway

One important thing - when you're filling out the application, be very specific about why you lost your job. If you were laid off due to lack of work, make sure you select that option clearly. If there's any confusion about whether you quit or were fired, it can trigger an adjudication process that delays your benefits.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you'll need to actively look for work and keep a job search log. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and document them. You can do this through WorkSource WA or keep your own records.

I remember when I applied it asked for a lot of detail about previous jobs going back like 18 months. Make sure you have company names, addresses, phone numbers, supervisor names, exact employment dates, and how much you earned. The more accurate you are upfront, the smoother the process will be.

Is there any way to check the status of your application online after you submit it? I hate not knowing what's happening with important stuff like this.

One more tip - if you have direct deposit set up, benefits usually show up faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail. You can add your bank account info during the application or add it later through your online account.

Just wanted to add that the Washington ESD also has a mobile app that makes filing weekly claims easier once you get your initial application approved. It's called 'Washington ESD Mobile' and you can download it from your app store.

Whatever you do, don't put off applying thinking you might find a job quickly. Even if you find work right away, having the application already in the system can be helpful if that job doesn't work out. Plus there's that waiting week anyway so you might as well get the clock started.

has anyone had issues with the identity verification part? i heard some people get stuck there for weeks

If you do run into any issues or delays with your application, don't hesitate to reach out for help. I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they've been really helpful for people who need to speak with Washington ESD agents about application problems or claim issues. Sometimes having an actual person to talk to makes all the difference.

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your benefits or pay them when you file your tax return. Just something to keep in mind for planning purposes.

The whole process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get started. I was nervous about applying too but the website walks you through everything step by step. Just take your time and double-check your information before submitting.

one last thing - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, make sure you apply in the state where you worked most recently or earned the most wages. for most people that'll be washington but worth double checking

I found it helpful to print out a copy of my completed application for my records before submitting it. That way I had all the information handy if I needed to reference it later when filing weekly claims or if anyone had questions about my claim.

Good luck with your application! The online system has gotten much better over the years. Just be patient if there are any hiccups - lots of people are using the system so sometimes it runs slow, especially on Sundays when everyone is filing their weekly claims.