Complete beginner - how do you file for unemployment in Washington?

Everything is done online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and your wages. The process itself takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

File as soon as possible! There's a waiting week so you won't get paid for your first week but you need to get the claim started. I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking I might find another job quickly and it just delayed everything.

The hardest part honestly is getting through to someone at Washington ESD if you run into problems. Their phone lines are constantly busy and you can wait on hold for hours just to get hung up on. I struggled with this for weeks until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually gets you connected to an ESD agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Here's the step by step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one 3) Fill out the initial application with your work history 4) Wait for your monetary determination letter 5) Start filing weekly claims every Sunday. You have to file every week even while waiting for approval or you'll lose benefits.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare, took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation that I already submitted twice

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. 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, attending job fairs, etc. You can do this through WorkSourceWA or keep your own records.

One thing nobody mentions is that you might go into adjudication if there's any question about why you were laid off. This can add weeks or even months to the process while they investigate. If your employer contests your claim, be prepared for delays.

Just wanted to say hang in there! I was in the same boat 6 months ago and felt completely lost. The system is confusing but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. The weekly claims only take a few minutes each week.

Another tip - if you run into any issues with your claim or need to speak with someone, definitely consider using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I probably would have given up trying to reach Washington ESD without it. The phone system is just brutal.

One more important thing - make sure you report ANY income you earn while collecting unemployment, even small amounts. This includes freelance work, odd jobs, anything. Failing to report income can result in overpayment notices that you'll have to pay back with penalties.

been there done that, the whole thing is a mess but you gotta do what you gotta do to pay the bills

Don't forget to keep copies of everything you submit and take screenshots of your weekly claim confirmations. If anything goes wrong, having documentation will help resolve issues faster. Also, check your claim status regularly through your SAW account.

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is currently around $929 per week, but most people get less than that. Your benefit amount is based on your wages in the base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed.

I remember being so overwhelmed when I first had to file. The terminology alone is confusing - base period, benefit year, waiting week, adjudication. But once you get started it makes more sense.

Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. I think you have until Saturday at midnight but don't wait until the last minute. If you miss a week you might not be able to get it back.

Word of advice - read everything they send you carefully and respond to any requests for information immediately. Ignoring correspondence from Washington ESD is the fastest way to get your benefits stopped.

One last thing about getting help if you need it - I can't stress enough how much easier it is to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD using Claimyr rather than trying to call directly. Especially if you're new to this whole process and have questions.

honestly wish someone had explained all this to me when I first filed, would have saved me a lot of confusion and stress

Bottom line - don't overthink it. The application walks you through everything step by step. Just have your employment info ready, be honest about everything, and file your weekly claims on time. The rest will sort itself out.

You got this! Unemployment benefits exist for exactly this situation. Don't feel guilty about using them - that's what they're there for.