How do I file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - complete beginner here

Sorry to hear about your job loss. You can file your initial claim right away - don't wait. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for 'File a new claim' or you can call 800-318-6022. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation.

First thing - don't panic! Filing for unemployment with Washington ESD is pretty straightforward once you know the steps. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (dates, employer names, addresses, reason for separation), and your most recent pay stub. Start at secure.esd.wa.gov and create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already.

You'll need to file online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. You'll need employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The system will ask about your last day worked and wages earned.

Everything is done online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

File as soon as possible! There's a waiting week before benefits start, and you want to get that clock ticking. Don't wait thinking you might find a job quickly - you can always stop claiming if you get hired.

Make sure you file as soon as possible - there's a waiting week in Washington but your claim is backdated to when you file. You'll also need to register with WorkSourceWA for the job search requirements. Don't wait thinking you might find work quickly, just file now.

I went through this process last year and honestly the hardest part was getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. Their phone lines are constantly busy and you'll get disconnected constantly. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

The weekly claims thing you mentioned - that's something you'll do every week after your initial application. You have to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work. It's usually just a few questions online.

ugh the washington esd website is SO confusing, took me forever to figure out where to actually start the application. look for the "file a new claim" button on the main page, its not super obvious

honestly the washington esd website is confusing af. took me forever to figure out where to actually start the application. look for the 'apply for benefits' button but its not where you'd expect it to be

The online application is pretty straightforward but it took me about 30-45 minutes to complete. Make sure you have all your employer information ready before you start because you can't save and come back later.

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I filed 6 weeks ago and I'm STILL waiting for my claim to be approved. They say it's in adjudication but nobody can tell me why or how long it will take. Make sure you have savings because this process can take forever.

I struggled with this too when I first filed. If you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process much less stressful for me.

The actual application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Make sure you have accurate employer information - Washington ESD will contact them to verify everything. After you file, you'll get a determination letter in about 2-3 weeks telling you if you're approved and how much your weekly benefit will be.

One thing that helped me was using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions during the process. The phone lines are usually swamped but they have a service that helps you get connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'File a New Claim' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one 3) Complete the application with your employment history 4) Register with WorkSourceWA 5) Wait for your monetary determination letter 6) Start filing weekly claims. The whole initial process should take about an hour.

I filed last month and it was actually easier than I expected. One tip - if you get stuck during the application or have questions about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call on my own.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! Once you start receiving benefits, you'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and log them in your WorkSourceWA account. Some people miss this and get their benefits stopped.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start. Washington ESD requires you to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You'll need to report this on your weekly claims.

MAKE SURE YOU FILE ASAP! Your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you lost your job. I waited a week thinking I needed to 'process' what happened and it cost me a week of benefits.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing!! i tried to start my application yesterday and got lost halfway through. why cant they make this stuff easier when people are already stressed about losing their jobs???

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week once your initial application is approved! This is crucial - you have to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work. Miss a week and you won't get paid for that week.

Don't forget you need to be able and available for work. If you're planning any vacations or have medical issues that prevent you from working, that can affect your eligibility. I learned this the hard way.

the website is kinda confusing but just follow the prompts. took me forever to figure out where to enter my last employer info but its all there

Been there! Lost my job in manufacturing and was totally lost. The key things they ask for: reason you're unemployed, if you're able and available to work, if you looked for work that week. Answer honestly - they cross-check everything.

Make sure you keep detailed records of everything - save confirmation numbers, print important documents, keep track of all your job search activities. Washington ESD's system isn't always reliable and you might need to prove things later.

The system might put your claim into adjudication if there's anything unclear about your separation from work. Don't panic if this happens - it just means they need to verify information with your former employer.

Pro tip: if you were laid off due to lack of work, make sure that's clearly stated in your application. If there's any confusion about whether you quit or were fired, it could delay your benefits.

After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. This is super important - you have to do this even if your claim is still pending. The weekly claims are what actually trigger your payments once everything is approved.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to be actively looking for work and keep a log of your search activities. I think it's 3 job search activities per week but double-check that.

The monetary determination will show your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter. In Washington, you can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. Make sure the wage information is correct when you get that letter.

One thing nobody told me - if your claim goes into 'adjudication' don't panic. It just means they need to investigate something about your claim. Could be verifying why you lost your job or checking your work history. Takes a few extra weeks but most get approved eventually.

been through this process twice now and the second time was much easier because i knew what to expect. the first application took me about 45 minutes to complete with all the employment history stuff

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. took them 6 weeks to process my claim and then they said i owed money back. good luck getting through to anyone who can actually help

I'm going through this right now too and the waiting is killing me. Filed 3 weeks ago and still nothing. At least I found Claimyr to help me get through to someone at Washington ESD when I needed to ask about my claim status. Way better than spending all day redialing.

MAKE SURE YOU FILE IN THE RIGHT STATE! I know someone who worked in Washington but lived in Oregon and filed with the wrong state initially. Had to start over.

Just be patient with the process. It can take a few weeks for your claim to be fully processed, especially if they need to verify information with your employer. Don't panic if you don't hear anything right away.

If you do run into issues and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, seriously consider using Claimyr. I wasted so many hours trying to get through on my own. Their service saved me days of frustration.

remember to file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim hasnt been approved yet! i missed this and lost 2 weeks of benefits that i couldnt get back

Quick question - do you have to be completely unemployed or can you file if your hours got cut way down? My hours went from 40 to like 15 per week.

Pro tip: keep records of EVERYTHING. Screenshots of your application, copies of documents you submit, notes about phone calls. The system isn't perfect and sometimes stuff gets lost.

The Washington ESD customer service is hit or miss. Sometimes you get someone helpful, sometimes you're on hold for hours. That's where services like Claimyr can really help - they handle the waiting for you.

Don't forget to set up direct deposit when you file! Getting a check in the mail takes forever and can get lost. Electronic payments are much faster and more reliable.

one thing that confused me was the difference between the day i was laid off and my last day of work. make sure you understand which date they're asking for because it affects when your benefits start

Washington ESD has a pretty good FAQ section on their website. I'd recommend reading through the common questions before filing just so you know what to expect.

If you have any issues with your claim after filing, don't wait to address them. The longer you wait, the more complicated it can get. I learned that the hard way when I had an overpayment issue.

the whole process stressed me out so much at first but its really not that bad once you get into the routine. file your weekly claims on the same day every week and it becomes automatic

Another vote for Claimyr here - used them twice when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD. First time was for a routine question about my claim status, second time was when my weekly claim got stuck. Both times they got me connected within a reasonable time frame.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can have taxes withheld from your benefits or pay them when you file your tax return. Don't forget about this part!

You got this! Filing for unemployment might seem overwhelming but thousands of people do it successfully every week. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Make sure you understand the waiting week too. I think Washington still has a waiting week where you don't get paid for the first week even if you're eligible.

One more tip - create your ESD account online instead of calling if possible. The website is available 24/7 and you can manage everything from there once your claim is filed.

been through this process 3 times unfortunately... each time gets a little easier but that first time is definitely overwhelming. just take it step by step and don't be afraid to ask questions

Quick question - do you know if you were laid off or fired? That can affect your eligibility and it's important to be accurate on your application.

The most important thing is to be completely honest on your application. Any discrepancies can cause major delays or even disqualification.

Once you get approved, payments usually come on a debit card they mail to you. You can also set up direct deposit if you prefer that.

I remember feeling just as overwhelmed when I first filed. The good news is that thousands of people go through this process every week in Washington, so the system is designed to handle it. You've got this!

Don't forget to keep copies of everything you submit. Screenshots of your online application, any documents you upload, confirmation numbers, etc. You never know when you might need them.

If your claim gets flagged for any reason and goes into adjudication, don't panic. It's pretty common and just means they need to verify some information. It can add a few weeks to the process though.

Last piece of advice - if you need to reach Washington ESD and can't get through the regular lines, I had success with Claimyr too. It's a lifesaver when you actually need to talk to someone and can't waste days trying to get through.

The hardest part for me was gathering all the employment information going back 18 months. Some of my previous employers had changed names or closed down. Washington ESD was pretty understanding about this but it did delay my claim.

Just a heads up that if you're laid off due to lack of work, make sure that's clearly documented. Some employers try to make it seem like you quit or were fired for cause to avoid paying into the unemployment system.

The whole process is honestly not as bad as people make it sound IF your claim is straightforward. Most people get approved without issues. It's just the ones with problems that you hear about online.

Don't forget about the taxes! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your return. I learned this lesson the hard way at tax time.

One more thing - if you do any work while collecting unemployment, you MUST report it on your weekly claim even if it's just a few hours. Washington ESD takes unreported work very seriously and it can result in overpayment issues.

OP, you've got this! The first time is always scary but thousands of people file for unemployment every week in Washington. Follow the advice here and you should be fine. Good luck!

If you run into issues during the application process or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I used it twice - once when my application got stuck and another time when I had questions about reporting part-time work. Way better than spending all day trying to get through their phone lines.

Don't let the process intimidate you. I was terrified when I first filed but it's really not that bad once you get started. The hardest part is gathering all your employment info. Take your time and double-check everything before submitting.

make sure you answer the questions about why you lost your job accurately!! if you say you quit but you were actually fired (or vice versa) it can delay your claim or get you denied. washington esd checks with your employer

The waiting period is killer. Filed 3 weeks ago and still waiting for my determination letter. Trying to stay patient but bills don't wait!

Word of advice - if you worked in multiple states recently, make sure you file in the right state. I almost filed in the wrong state because I just moved to Washington but worked in Oregon before that.

I wish someone had told me about the waiting week when I first filed. In Washington you don't get paid for your first week of unemployment - it's like a penalty week. So even if you're approved right away, your first payment covers week 2.

Another vote for that Claimyr thing - my sister used it when her claim got stuck in some kind of review process. She said it was worth it just to talk to an actual person instead of getting the runaround online.

One more thing - if you've been self-employed or worked as a contractor recently, mention that in your application. The rules are different for gig work and contractor payments.

Good luck with your application! The first time is always nerve-wracking but you'll get through it. Washington ESD processes thousands of these every week so they're used to helping people figure it out.