ESD website navigation nightmare - can't find where to apply for benefits!

ya the site is trash. took me like 3 tries to figure it out. u gotta go to eservices after logging in to SAW, not the main esd page. the button is buried somewhere in there

The ESD website can definitely be confusing to navigate. Here's a step-by-step guide that should help: 1. First, log into your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account 2. After logging in, look for "Employment Security Department" in your list of services 3. If you don't see it, you'll need to click "Add A New Service" and select ESD 4. Once you're in the ESD section, click on "UI eServices" or "Unemployment Insurance eServices" 5. This will take you to the actual application page where you can start a new claim Many people get stuck because they think the main ESD website is where you apply, but you have to go through the SAW portal and then to eServices. Hope this helps!

I had the EXACT same problem last month!! The ESD website is the most user-unfriendly thing I've ever seen. I ended up having to call them because I couldn't figure it out online. Spent 3 days trying to get through on the phone. When I finally did, the agent told me I needed to add the unemployment service to my SAW account first (which wasn't obvious AT ALL). They really need to fix this system - it's like they're trying to prevent people from applying!

did u set up ur SAW account properly? there's a difference between the regular SAW account and linking it specifically to unemployment. u gotta link the two.

The ESD website is notoriously difficult to navigate. This is an issue I hear about ALL THE TIME from claimants. It's almost like they designed it to be confusing on purpose to reduce the number of claims! One thing no one mentioned - after you finally find where to apply, be prepared for the application to time out if you take too long. Have ALL your employment info ready before you start (employer addresses, start/end dates, reason for separation, etc). And save your work frequently! Also, once you do apply, screenshot EVERYTHING. The system is known to "lose" information and you might need proof of what you submitted.

I remember being confused by this too! Just to add to what others said - make sure you're applying for the right type of benefits. Regular unemployment (UI) is different from Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). They're on completely different systems even though they're both through ESD. Sounds like you want regular UI though based on job loss.

Update: I FINALLY found it! Had to add the Employment Security Department to my SAW account first, then go to UI eServices like @helpful_person said. Now I'm starting my application. Thanks everyone for your help with this confusing system!

ya the ESD site is the worst. good luck with ur claim

Thanks for posting about that Claimyr service @helpfulcommenter! Just bookmarked it in case I need it. I spent SO MANY HOURS trying to get through on the phone last month, wish I'd known about this earlier!

OP - since you've found the application, here's another tip: After you submit your initial application, you'll likely see a "pending" status for at least a week or two. This is normal! ESD has to verify your employment history with your former employers. Just keep filing your weekly claims while you wait.