How do I file for unemployment benefits in Washington - complete beginner

Don't wait! You should file your initial claim as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before you can start receiving benefits. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'File a Claim' link. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment.

The online system walks you through everything step by step. Make sure you have your last employer's information handy - business name, address, phone number, your job title, and reason for separation. Since you were laid off that should be straightforward.

Just went through this process myself last month after getting laid off. The hardest part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions - their phone lines are absolutely swamped. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows how it works and it saved me hours of calling.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing!! took me forever to figure out where to even start filing. why can't they make this stuff easier when people are already stressed about losing their jobs???

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed. You can't get paid for weeks you don't file for, and you have to file by Sunday night each week for the previous week.

Also be prepared for the job search requirements. You'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Register with WorkSource Washington too - it's required.

Don't stress too much about making mistakes on the application. You can always call to make corrections, though good luck getting through lol. The main thing is to file ASAP so your claim date is established.

Quick tip - when you're filling out the application, make sure you select the right reason for separation. Since you were laid off, that's 'lack of work' not 'quit' or 'fired for misconduct.' Getting that wrong can delay your claim.

Also heads up that it might take a few weeks to get your first payment even after you're approved. Washington ESD has a waiting week plus processing time, so don't panic if you don't see money right away.

Been there! The waiting is the worst part. I had issues with my claim getting stuck in adjudication for weeks because of some confusion about my last day of work. When I finally got through to someone using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier, they cleared it up in like 10 minutes. Wish I'd known about it sooner.

the whole system is set up to make it as hard as possible for people to get benefits they deserve. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because of some stupid technicality

One thing I wish someone had told me - keep copies of EVERYTHING. Every form you fill out, every document you submit, every confirmation number. You'll probably need to reference it later.

Also make sure your contact info is up to date in the system. They'll send important notices by mail and if you moved recently you might miss something critical.

Pro tip: file your claim early in the morning if possible. The website tends to run slower later in the day when more people are using it.

Don't forget about taxes! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your payments or you'll owe at tax time.

You got this! The first time is always intimidating but thousands of people go through this process every week. Just take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Good luck! Come back and let us know how it goes. Always happy to help someone navigate this maze of a system.

Just remember - filing for unemployment isn't something to be ashamed of. You paid into this system through your taxes and you deserve these benefits when you need them. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about using a safety net that's there for exactly this situation.