How do I file for unemployment - Washington ESD application process help needed

First thing - don't panic! Filing for unemployment with Washington ESD isn't as complicated as it looks. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and last employer's information ready including dates of employment and reason for separation.

Make sure you file as soon as possible! Your claim starts the week you file, not the week you lost your job. I made that mistake and lost a week of benefits. Also be prepared - the Washington ESD phone lines are absolutely swamped right now.

The online application usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. You'll need employment history for the last 18 months, including employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates worked, and gross wages earned. If you worked for multiple employers, you'll need all of them. Washington ESD also asks about the reason you're unemployed - be honest and specific.

If you run into issues with the online system or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, good luck getting through on the phone. I've been trying for weeks to resolve an issue with my claim. Recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me through to an ESD agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

ugh the washington esd website is such a pain. took me like 2 hours to figure out how to even start the application last month. make sure you write down your username and password somewhere safe because youll need to log in every week to file your weekly claim

Once you submit your initial application, Washington ESD will send you information about your weekly reporting requirements. You'll need to certify for benefits every week by answering questions about your job search activities, any work performed, and earnings. The job search requirement is currently 3 job contacts per week.

Just a heads up - after you file, your claim might go into 'adjudication' which means they're reviewing something about your application. This can take WEEKS and there's usually no way to know what's happening. Super frustrating but unfortunately normal with Washington ESD.

Make sure you keep records of EVERYTHING. Save confirmation numbers, print out pages, keep track of all your job applications. Washington ESD can ask for documentation at any time and if you can't provide it, they might deny your claim or create an overpayment.

Don't forget about WorkSource! You'll probably need to register with WorkSourceWA.com as part of your job search requirements. It's another government website that's supposed to help with job searching but mostly it's just another hoop to jump through.

i filed online last week and its been pending ever since. no idea whats going on and cant get through to anyone on the phone. this whole system is broken

For anyone filing - the monetary determination letter you'll receive shows your weekly benefit amount and total benefits available. This is based on wages from your 'base year' which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If your recent wages aren't included, you might qualify for an alternate base year.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income! You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay at the end of the year. Don't forget about this when tax time comes around.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS A NIGHTMARE! I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to be processed and every time I call they tell me something different. How is this legal?? We pay into this system and then they make it impossible to get benefits when we need them!

had similar experience as @profile11, was stuck in adjudication hell for over a month. finally got through using that claimyr service someone mentioned earlier - agent was able to see my case notes and explain what was holding it up. got resolved within a week after that call

Quick tip for anyone filing - take screenshots of every page as you're filling out the application. I had a technical error halfway through and lost everything, had to start over. Screenshots saved me the second time when it happened again.

Once you get your claim approved, payments usually come on a debit card unless you set up direct deposit. The debit card has fees for some transactions, so set up direct deposit if you can. Also, benefits are paid for the previous week, not the current week, which confused me at first.

One more important thing - if you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, Washington ESD has workshops and phone consultations available. Check their website for schedules. Sometimes it's easier to get help through these than trying to call the main number.

filed mine online about 3 months ago and everything went smoothly. took about 2 weeks to get approved and start receiving payments. not everyone has horror stories with washington esd

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' vs 'actively seeking work.' These are separate requirements and Washington ESD can disqualify you for either one. Able and available means you're physically and mentally capable of working and available to accept suitable work. Actively seeking work means you're actually looking for jobs and can prove it.

Also heads up - if you worked in multiple states recently, you might need to file an interstate claim. This can complicate things and take longer to process. Washington ESD will help determine which state you should file in based on where you worked and earned wages.

Remember that your waiting week is built into the system now - you won't get paid for your first eligible week. This used to be separate but they changed it a few years ago. So don't panic if your first payment seems delayed.