Can you file unemployment claims online through Washington ESD website?

Yes, you can absolutely file your initial unemployment claim online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. The online application is actually the preferred method and it's available 24/7. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

Just to add - after you file your initial claim online, you'll still need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. That's also done online through your eServices account. Make sure you file your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed.

I had trouble with my claim getting stuck in adjudication for weeks. If you run into issues where you can't reach anyone at Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver when I couldn't get through on my own.

yeah i filed online last month, pretty straightforward but make sure you have all your info ready before you start because it times out if you take too long

One thing to be aware of - you need to register with WorkSource Washington as part of the requirements. You can do that online too but it's a separate system. Don't skip this step or it could delay your benefits.

The Washington ESD online system is actually pretty user-friendly compared to some other states. Just make sure you answer all the questions honestly, especially about why you lost your job. If you were fired, they might need to do an investigation.

Just went through this process myself. One tip - screenshot or write down your confirmation number after you submit. You'll need it if you have to call Washington ESD about your claim status.

ugh the washington esd phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE to get through to. i tried calling for 3 weeks straight and never got through. at least the online filing works most of the time

Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a waiting week in Washington but the sooner you file, the sooner that week starts counting. Benefits are retroactive to when you filed, not when you lost your job.

The website is usually pretty reliable but sometimes it has maintenance windows. If you can't access it, try again later rather than assuming there's a problem with your claim.

i made the mistake of waiting two weeks after getting laid off before filing. cost me money because benefits only go back to when you actually file your claim. file as soon as you can!

Something else to remember - if you have any severance pay or vacation payout, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD will ask about this during the application process.

The hardest part isn't filing the initial claim, it's dealing with any issues that come up later. That's when you really need to be able to reach someone at Washington ESD, which is nearly impossible through normal channels.

Pro tip: create your eServices account before you actually need to file. That way if there are any issues with account creation, you can resolve them without being under pressure to file your claim.

Overall the Washington ESD online system is pretty decent. Just be patient with the process and make sure you keep filing your weekly claims on time. Missing a week can cause delays in payments.

One last thing - keep records of everything. Screenshot your weekly claims, save confirmation emails, keep track of your job search activities. If there's ever a problem, having documentation will save you headaches.