Complete beginner - how do I file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Sorry to hear about your job loss. First step is to go to esd.wa.gov and click on 'Apply for Benefits.' You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and information about your last employer including dates worked and reason for separation. Make sure to apply as soon as possible since there's a waiting week.

The online application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. Make sure you answer all questions honestly, especially about why you lost your job. If you were laid off due to lack of work, that's usually straightforward. If you were fired or quit, it gets more complicated.

One thing that helped me when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone was using Claimyr. It's this service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

After you submit your initial application, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. This is super important - even if your claim is still pending, you need to keep filing those weekly claims or you'll lose benefits for those weeks. The weekly claim asks about any work you did and any income you received.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, etc. Washington ESD takes this seriously.

ugh the whole system is so confusing when you're already stressed about losing your job. took me forever to figure out all the requirements and then my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks

Pro tip: take screenshots of everything when you're filling out your application and weekly claims. If there are ever any issues, you'll want proof of what you submitted. The system sometimes glitches and it's good to have documentation.

How long does it usually take to get your first payment? I'm worried about paying rent next month.

Make sure you have direct deposit set up - it's faster than waiting for a debit card in the mail. You can set this up during your initial application or add it later through your online account.

Another thing about getting help - if you do need to talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through on your own, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier has been a lifesaver for a lot of people. Especially when you have specific questions about your claim status or if something gets confusing.

One more important thing - if you do any part-time work while collecting unemployment, make sure to report it on your weekly claim. Even a few hours of work needs to be reported. It might reduce your benefit amount but failing to report it can get you in trouble for overpayment.

Don't stress too much about the process. Yeah it's complicated but thousands of people go through it successfully every week. Just take it one step at a time and ask questions when you need help.

been there myself last year. the hardest part is just getting started. once you submit that first application you'll feel better having taken action. hang in there!

One last tip - if you run into any issues or your claim gets denied, don't give up. You have the right to appeal and many appeals are successful. But you only have 30 days to file an appeal, so don't wait if you disagree with a decision.

Good luck with your application! Most people's claims go through without major issues. Just remember to file those weekly claims every week and keep up with your job search requirements.

Welcome to unemployment unfortunately, but at least Washington ESD benefits are decent compared to some states. You got this!

Just remember the three key things: apply ASAP, file weekly claims every week, and do your job search activities. Everything else you can figure out as you go.

If you need to reach Washington ESD and the phones are busy (which they usually are), that Claimyr thing really does work. I used it twice when I had issues with my claim and got through both times.

Best of luck with everything! The first few weeks are always the most stressful but it gets easier once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims and job searching.

You'll do fine. Just stay organized and keep good records of everything. The unemployment process in Washington is actually pretty user-friendly once you get the hang of it.