Can you file unemployment online with Washington ESD - need to start my claim

Yes you can definitely file online! Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. The online application is pretty straightforward - just have your employment history ready for the last 18 months.

I filed online last month and it was super easy. Way better than trying to call in. Just make sure you file during the first week after you lose your job - there's a waiting period but you want to get the process started right away.

The online system works but heads up - if you run into any issues or your claim gets stuck in adjudication, good luck getting through to anyone at Washington ESD by phone. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my claim status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Just to clarify the process - when you file online at esd.wa.gov, you're creating your initial claim. After that's processed, you'll need to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. Don't forget about the job search requirements either - you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log.

ugh the Washington ESD website is so confusing though. took me forever to figure out where to actually start the application. why can't they make it more obvious??

Pro tip - save your application as you go! The system times out after a while and I lost all my info the first time I tried to file. Also print or screenshot the confirmation page when you submit.

Anyone know if you can file on weekends? I'm working until Friday and won't have time during business hours.

Be prepared for the system to ask A LOT of questions about your work history. They want to know about every job you had in the last 18 months, including part-time and temporary work. Have all that info ready before you start.

One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your claim, it can really delay things. Mine did and I had to go through this whole adjudication process. That's when having a way to actually reach Washington ESD becomes critical. Claimyr was a lifesaver for getting updates on my case.

Don't stress too much about the process. The vast majority of claims go through without major issues. Just be honest about why you lost your job and provide accurate employment information. The online system really is the best way to file these days.

Make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing weekly claims. The initial claim is what you're doing now - that's a one-time thing. But once you're approved, you have to file a weekly claim every week to actually get paid. That's also done online.

Another heads up - keep track of your confirmation numbers and any correspondence from Washington ESD. If something goes wrong, those numbers are really important for getting help.

The online filing is definitely the way to go but just know that if you need to talk to someone later about your claim, the phone lines are absolutely brutal. I tried calling dozens of times before finding other options. That Claimyr service mentioned earlier actually works - they got me through when I couldn't.

ok i looked at that claimyr thing and watched the demo video. looks pretty cool actually, might use it if i run into problems with my claim

Update: I successfully filed my claim online this morning! Took about 45 minutes total including creating the SAW account. Thanks to everyone for the helpful advice. The process was much smoother than I expected.

For anyone else reading this thread - the key points are: 1) File online at esd.wa.gov, 2) Have your employment history ready, 3) Create a SAW account, 4) Don't forget about job search requirements, and 5) Keep all your confirmation numbers. The system works well if you follow the steps.

Just want to add that if you're filing because you got laid off or your hours were reduced, make sure you select the right reason for separation. It can affect how quickly your claim gets processed.

This thread has been super helpful. I was dreading having to deal with unemployment paperwork but it sounds much more manageable now. Thanks everyone!

Final reminder for anyone filing - make sure you understand the waiting week. Your first week of unemployment won't be paid, but you still need to file that weekly claim. It's just how the system works in Washington state.