How can I file unemployment with Washington ESD - need help with the process

You can file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov - don't need to go anywhere in person. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from your last job (dates, employer name, reason for separation). The waiting period is just the first week where you don't get paid, but you still need to file that week.

The online system is pretty straightforward but can be slow during busy times. Make sure you file your initial claim as soon as possible - there's no benefit to waiting. You'll create an account on SecureAccess Washington (SAW) first, then access the unemployment services.

I tried calling Washington ESD last week to ask questions before filing and could never get through. The phone system is absolutely terrible. After getting hung up on multiple times, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Don't forget you'll need to do weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still processing. Log in every Sunday to certify for the previous week. Miss a week and you lose that week's benefits.

The job search requirement is 3 jobs per week that you have to log in WorkSourceWA. Start doing that right away even before your claim is approved. They can audit your job search activities.

ugh the whole system is such a pain. i filed 2 months ago and still waiting for my first payment because of some adjudication issue they wont explain clearly

For adjudication issues, you really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly. The online system doesn't give you enough detail about what's holding up your claim. That's another situation where something like Claimyr might help - getting through to an actual person who can look at your specific case.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you answer all the questions honestly on your initial application. If you quit your job, you need to have a good reason or you might get disqualified. If you were laid off, that's usually fine.

The Washington ESD website has a pretty good checklist of what you need before you start filing. Look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section - it walks you through everything step by step.

Just wanted to add - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state or combine wages. Washington ESD can help figure that out, but it's something to mention when you file.

File as soon as you can but don't stress too much about having every single document perfect. You can always provide additional information later if Washington ESD needs it. The important thing is to get your claim started.

Also remember that your benefit amount is based on your wages from the past year, not your most recent job. So if you had higher paying work earlier in the year, that could actually help your weekly benefit amount.

I went through this whole process last year and the biggest thing I learned is to keep records of everything. Screenshot your weekly claims, save confirmation numbers, print important documents. The system can be glitchy and you'll want proof of what you submitted.

The whole process seems overwhelming at first but once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims and doing your job search, it becomes pretty automatic. Just take it one step at a time.

One last tip - if you do need to call Washington ESD for anything, try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch time around noon. Those seem to be the least busy times, though honestly the phone system is always pretty backed up.