How do I file an unemployment claim with Washington ESD - complete beginner

First, go to esd.wa.gov and create an account. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months. Make sure you have employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. File as soon as possible since there's a waiting week.

honestly the hardest part is getting through to someone at washington esd if you have questions. their phone lines are always busy and you get disconnected constantly

Make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing weekly claims. After your initial application is approved, you have to file a weekly claim every week to actually receive benefits. This trips up a lot of people.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. took them 6 weeks to process my claim and i almost lost my apartment

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits', 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington account if you don't have one, 3) Complete the online application with all employment history, 4) Wait for your monetary determination letter, 5) Start filing weekly claims once approved. The whole process usually takes 2-3 weeks if there are no issues.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit this anytime.

Make sure you file during your designated filing day. They assign you a day based on your SSN and if you consistently file late it can cause problems.

If you run into issues or your claim goes into adjudication, don't waste time trying to call ESD directly. I used Claimyr to get through to an actual agent and got my issue resolved in one call. Way better than spending hours on hold.

One important thing - make sure you understand why you were separated from your job. If you were fired for misconduct or quit without good cause, you might be disqualified. Layoffs and reduction in force are usually fine.

The waiting week is annoying but don't let it discourage you. You still need to file that first week even though you won't get paid for it.

been through this process twice and honestly the hardest part is just getting started. once you file that first claim it gets easier

Also be aware that your benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or you'll owe when you file your tax return next year.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, that Claimyr service someone mentioned actually helped me get it resolved. I was skeptical at first but they got me connected to an ESD agent who explained exactly what documentation they needed.

Pro tip: screenshot everything and keep records of all your filings. The ESD system can be glitchy and you want proof of what you submitted.

Don't overthink it too much. Thousands of people file claims every week. Just be honest and accurate with your information and you'll be fine.

One last tip - if you do need to contact ESD for any reason during your claim, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. Their system at claimyr.com basically eliminates the frustration of trying to get through on your own. Worth checking out their demo video if you want to see how it works.

Remember to report any vacation pay or severance you received. That can delay your benefits if you don't report it upfront.

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join! But seriously, you'll get through this. The unemployment system exists for exactly this situation.