How can I claim unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

You can file everything online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from your last job (dates worked, employer info, reason for separation). The process is pretty straightforward once you get started.

Make sure you file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before benefits start. Also be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll need to log job contacts every week once your claim is approved.

Honestly the hardest part is getting through to someone at Washington ESD if you have questions. I spent hours trying to call them when I had issues with my claim. Eventually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made my life so much easier.

File online at esd.wa.gov but be prepared for potential delays. My claim went into adjudication for weeks because they needed to verify my employment. Just be patient and keep filing your weekly claims even if it says pending.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing, took me forever to figure out where to even start filing

One more thing - make sure you have your banking info ready if you want direct deposit. Otherwise you'll get a debit card mailed to you which can take longer to access your benefits.

Just filed mine last month and it was way easier than I expected. The online application walks you through everything step by step. Don't overthink it!

Make sure you're eligible first - you need to have worked enough hours in the past year and lost your job through no fault of your own. If you quit or got fired for cause, you might not qualify.

The system will ask about your work history for the past 18 months, so try to remember all your employers during that time. Even part-time jobs count.

Don't forget to keep track of your job search activities from day one. Even if your claim is still pending, start looking and logging those contacts.

When I filed, I had to wait like 2 weeks just to get my first payment determination. Then another week for the actual money. Plan accordingly!

Pro tip: file your weekly claims on Sunday nights when the system is less busy. I always had trouble during peak hours.

Make sure you answer all the questions honestly, especially about your availability to work. They can audit your claim later and if they find discrepancies, you might have to pay benefits back.

I remember being so confused about the difference between filing the initial claim and the weekly claims. You file once to start your claim, then file weekly to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work.

If you have any issues reaching Washington ESD customer service, that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier really does work. I used it when my claim got stuck and couldn't get through any other way.

Don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication - it's pretty common and doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Just means they need to verify some information.

The Washington ESD website has a checklist of what you need before you start filing. Really helpful to gather everything first so you don't have to stop in the middle.

One last thing - set up your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. You'll need it to access your unemployment account online.

Good luck with everything! The first time is always scary but you've got this. Just take it step by step and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Also remember that if you find part-time work while collecting unemployment, you can still get partial benefits as long as you report the income. Don't assume you have to stop your claim completely.