How can you claim unemployment benefits in Washington - need help with the process

Thank you! Do I need to have all my old pay stubs or will they verify my wages some other way?

Washington ESD will verify your wages through employer reports, but it's good to have your pay stubs handy in case there are any discrepancies during the adjudication process.

How long does it usually take to get your first payment? I'm worried about covering my bills.

If everything goes smoothly, you should see your first payment within 2-3 weeks. But if your claim goes into adjudication, it can take much longer.

Is that legit? I'm desperate but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real - they don't ask for any personal info, just help you navigate the phone system to reach an actual person. Way better than redialing for hours.

I was skeptical too but used Claimyr when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Got through to someone same day who explained exactly what documents I needed to submit.

What counts as a valid job search contact? Does applying online count?

Yes, applying online counts as long as you keep records. You can also count networking contacts, attending job fairs, or contacting employers directly.

Yes, you need to list all employment during your base period, even short-term jobs. This helps determine your benefit amount and eligibility.

Ok thanks, I'll go back and add those temp jobs I did last summer

Adjudication can take time especially if there are questions about your separation from employment. Have you tried contacting them directly?

Tried calling hundreds of times, never get through. It's ridiculous.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - the regular phone system is a nightmare but they can help you actually reach someone who can check your adjudication status.

I was laid off due to store closure so that should be fine right?

Yes, layoffs due to business closure are definitely covered. You shouldn't have any issues with eligibility.

Wait, so I lose a whole week of benefits? That seems unfair.

It's just how the system works - everyone has to serve a waiting week. But you'll get paid for all eligible weeks after that.

How long did it take you to complete the application?

maybe 30-45 minutes? most of that was looking up old employer addresses and dates

What day of the week do you file? Is there a specific day?

You can file Sunday through Saturday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sundays so I don't forget.

Good advice! I learned this the hard way when they said I missed a week that I definitely filed for.

Exactly - always keep records. Makes it much easier to resolve issues if they come up.

Yeah I'm already confused by half the terms people are using here lol

Don't worry, you'll pick it up quickly. The Washington ESD website has a glossary that helps explain all the terms.

What if I do some freelance work here and there? Do I need to report that too?

Yes, all income needs to be reported including freelance and gig work. It might reduce your weekly benefit but it's better than facing an overpayment later.

This is where services like Claimyr really help - when you actually need to talk to someone quickly instead of waiting weeks for a callback.

Agreed, getting through to someone when you have urgent questions can make a huge difference in resolving issues fast.

Is the calculator pretty accurate or just a rough estimate?

It's usually pretty close but your actual benefit amount might vary slightly based on how they calculate your base period wages.

I had no idea it was taxable! Should I have taxes withheld?

It's usually smart to have taxes withheld so you don't get hit with a big bill at tax time. You can change this option anytime in your account.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting the process now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues along the way.