How can I get unemployment benefits in Washington state - need help with the application process

First thing you need to do is create an account on the Washington ESD website. You'll file your initial claim there and then you have to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank account info if you want direct deposit.

The whole process can be really frustrating, especially if you run into any issues. I spent weeks trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

If you end up having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone (and trust me, you probably will), I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! There's a waiting week in Washington but the sooner you file the sooner that week starts. Also be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll need to look for work and keep track of it.

ugh the washington esd system is such a mess. took me forever to figure out how to even file my weekly claims properly

Also important to know - you can't just quit your job and get unemployment. You have to be laid off, fired for reasons other than misconduct, or have your hours reduced significantly. If you quit, you generally won't qualify unless it was for good cause.

When you file your claim, be really careful about reporting any work you do while on unemployment. Even part-time work has to be reported or you could get in trouble for overpayment later.

The whole process usually takes about 2-3 weeks from when you first apply to when you get your first payment, assuming there are no issues with your claim.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit right away. Getting paper checks takes forever and they get lost in the mail sometimes.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource too for the job search requirements. It's all connected to the Washington ESD system but it's a separate step you have to do.

honestly just be patient with the whole thing. the system is slow and frustrating but you'll get through it

If your claim does get stuck or you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, definitely consider using Claimyr to get through. I wasted so much time trying to call on my own before I found that service.

One more thing - make sure you keep good records of everything. Save confirmation numbers, print out important pages, keep track of your job search activities. If there are ever any questions about your claim, having documentation helps a lot.

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is pretty decent compared to other states, so don't stress too much about the money side of things if you qualify.

Just remember that filing for unemployment isn't something to be embarrassed about. You paid into the system when you were working, and this is exactly what it's for.

Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. If you miss a week you might not be able to go back and claim it later.

The Washington ESD website has a lot of helpful information once you get used to navigating it. Don't be afraid to read through the FAQ sections if you have questions.

Good luck with your application! And seriously, if you need to reach Washington ESD and can't get through normally, Claimyr is worth checking out. The peace of mind alone is worth it when you're stressed about your claim.

yeah this thread has been super helpful. i wish i had found something like this when i was starting out with unemployment

Feel free to come back and ask more questions as you go through the process. There are always little things that come up that you don't expect, and this community is pretty good about helping each other out.