Can you sign up for unemployment online with Washington ESD?

Yes, you can absolutely file online! Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need to create an account on SecureAccess Washington (SAW) first. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your documents ready.

Just filed mine online last week, pretty straightforward. Make sure you apply within the first week of being unemployed or you might lose out on benefits for that week.

The online system works well most of the time, but if you run into issues getting through or your claim gets stuck, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help people get connected directly to Washington ESD agents when you can't get through the regular phone lines. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

DEFINITELY apply online, don't waste time trying to call or go in person. The online application is available 24/7 and you can save your progress if you need to take a break. Just make sure you complete it fully before submitting.

i did mine online too but it took forever to get approved... like 3 weeks

One important thing - after you file your initial claim online, you'll still need to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments. You can do those online too through your eServices account. Don't forget this step or you won't get paid!

Make sure you have a good internet connection when you apply. I lost my whole application halfway through because my wifi cut out and had to start over.

Also be prepared for the job search requirements. You'll need to register with WorkSource Washington and start looking for work immediately. They track this stuff pretty closely.

The Washington ESD website is pretty user-friendly compared to other states. I helped my brother file in Oregon and it was a nightmare compared to ours.

If you do run into problems with your application or it gets stuck somewhere in the system, that's when services like Claimyr become really helpful. I used them when my claim was in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone to explain what was happening.

Quick tip - if you're filing on a Sunday or Monday, the system might be slower because everyone files then. Try filing on a Tuesday or Wednesday if possible.

Don't forget to check your email after filing! They send important notices there and if you miss deadlines you could lose benefits.

been on unemployment twice and both times filed online no problem... just make sure you answer all the questions honestly about why you were laid off

One more thing - once you file, you should receive a monetary determination letter within a week or two that tells you how much you'll receive per week. Don't panic if it takes a bit longer, but if it's been more than 3 weeks you might want to follow up.

The key is just getting started - don't overthink it. The online system walks you through everything step by step.

Good luck! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims once you get set up. And if you have any issues getting through to ESD later on, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit - I've heard good things from people who needed to actually talk to an agent.

just remember you gotta be actively looking for work the whole time or they can cut you off

Update us on how it goes! Always curious to hear about other people's experiences with the application process.

Welcome to the club nobody wants to be in lol. But seriously, the online filing is definitely the way to go.

Pro tip: Screenshot or save confirmation pages when you submit stuff online. Sometimes the system glitches and you need proof you actually filed.

Last thing - if your claim does get stuck in adjudication or you need to talk to someone at ESD about specific issues, don't waste weeks trying to get through on the phone. Check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier - they're really good at getting you connected when you actually need to speak with an agent.