How can I file for unemployment online with Washington ESD - need step by step help

You'll need to go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. The system will ask for your employer information including dates worked and reason for separation.

The online application is pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) first, then access the unemployment application. Just take your time and answer everything honestly - especially the reason you're no longer working.

Ugh, good luck getting through to Washington ESD on the phone if you need help. I've been trying for weeks to get someone to explain why my claim is stuck in adjudication. The phone system is a nightmare - busy signals, disconnects, hours on hold just to get hung up on.

Make sure you file within the first week after losing your job! There's a waiting period before benefits start but you don't want to delay filing. Also, you'll need to be actively looking for work and reporting your job search activities every week.

just file online its not that hard. i did mine last month and got approved in like 2 weeks. the website walks you through everything step by step

Word of warning - if you quit your job you probably won't qualify for benefits. Unemployment is generally only for people who were laid off, fired for non-misconduct reasons, or had their hours reduced significantly. Since you said you were laid off you should be fine though.

The Washington ESD website has gotten better over the years but it can still be confusing. When you get to the application, you'll see sections for personal information, employment history, and reason for unemployment. Take your time on the employment history part - they want detailed information about your last employer.

Don't forget you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Even if you haven't received your first payment yet, you still need to file your weekly claims or you'll lose those weeks.

I remember being so nervous when I filed my first claim! But honestly the online system is pretty user-friendly. Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection and don't rush through it. If you get stuck on any question, there are usually help icons you can click for more information.

Pro tip: if your claim goes into adjudication (which means they need to review something), don't panic. It's pretty common and just means they need to verify some information. Mine took about 3 weeks but I eventually got paid for all the weeks I was waiting.

Make sure you have your banking information ready too if you want direct deposit. It's much faster than waiting for a check in the mail. You'll need your routing number and account number.

The whole system is a joke honestly. I've been trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD for over a month about an issue with my claim. The phone system hangs up on you, the online messaging system never gets responses, and the local offices are appointment only with no available appointments.

One thing that helped me was printing out the confirmation page after I submitted my application. It has your claim number and other important information you'll need later. Also screenshot or write down your SAW login info - you'll be using it weekly.

Just remember that filing is just the first step. You'll need to stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements. The system will track everything and if you miss a week or don't meet the job search requirements, it can affect your benefits.

Washington ESD has improved their online system a lot over the past few years. It used to crash constantly but now it's pretty stable. Just don't wait until Sunday night to file your weekly claims - that's when everyone else is doing it and the system can get slow.

Last thing - make sure you read all the information they send you about your claim. There's usually a handbook or guide that explains your rights and responsibilities. It's boring but important stuff that can save you problems later.