How do I file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

You can file online at esd.wa.gov - it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including dates worked, wages earned, and reason for separation. There is a one-week waiting period before benefits start, but you still need to file your weekly claims during that time.

Make sure you have your employer's information ready too - full company name, address, phone number, and your supervisor's name. Washington ESD will contact them to verify your claim. Also gather any separation paperwork you got when you were laid off.

Just went through this whole process myself last month. The online application took me about 45 minutes to complete. After you submit it, you'll get a determination letter in about a week telling you if you're approved and how much your weekly benefit will be. Then you have to file weekly claims every Sunday to actually get paid.

You can file 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 in Washington so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can start getting benefits. You'll also need to register with WorkSource Washington for job search requirements.

I was in your same situation last month and honestly the hardest part was just getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an agent without waiting on hold forever. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

If you run into any issues with Washington ESD's phone system while trying to get help, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Make sure you have your reason for separation ready - they'll ask if you were fired, laid off, quit, etc. If you were laid off due to lack of work that's the easiest to process.

MAKE SURE you start looking for work right away! Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This requirement starts immediately even during your waiting week. Don't mess around with this - they can disqualify you if you don't meet the job search requirements.

Don't stress too much about the application process. The hardest part is gathering all your employment info. Washington ESD's system walks you through everything step by step. Just make sure you answer all the questions honestly, especially about why you lost your job.

ugh the whole system is such a mess... took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation

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 initial application with all your employer info 4) Wait for your monetary determination letter 5) Start filing weekly claims after your waiting week 6) Register with WorkSource for job search requirements

ugh the whole system is such a pain. took me forever to get approved and then they kept asking for more documentation. hope you have better luck than i did

One important thing - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state depending on where you earned the most wages. Washington ESD can help you figure that out during the application process.

Don't forget you have to be able and available for work and actively looking for jobs. They'll check up on your job search activities.

I'm going through this right now too and it's been 3 weeks since I applied with no word back. Starting to panic about my mortgage payment.

Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still pending! I made the mistake of not filing because I thought I had to wait for approval first.

Also sign up for WorkSource Washington while you're at it. It's their job search portal and using it helps satisfy some of your job search requirements. Plus they have career counseling and training programs if you're interested.

The whole process gave me so much anxiety. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong because it seemed too simple at first, then too complicated when they started asking for more info.

Whatever you do, DON'T miss your weekly claim filing deadline. I missed one week and it was a nightmare trying to get it backdated.

Just be prepared for the possibility that your claim might go to adjudication if there's anything unclear about your separation. Mine did because my employer initially contested it.

i filed online last year and it was pretty easy just took forever to actually get money

The Washington ESD website has a really good checklist of what you need before you start the application. I'd recommend looking at that first so you're not scrambling for information halfway through.

One thing they don't tell you upfront is that you might need to verify your identity through ID.me. That process can add extra time if you don't have all the right documents.

I helped my brother file last month and we ran into issues because he had worked in multiple states. Made the application more complicated.

Pro tip: screenshot everything during your application process. If something goes wrong later you'll have proof of what you submitted.

The hardest part for me was the job search requirement. Make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search activity before you start filing weekly claims.

Just want to follow up on my earlier comment about Claimyr - if you do run into issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, that service really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me weeks of frustration trying to get answers about my claim status.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now. Going to gather all my employment info and start the application tonight.

Quick tip - file your weekly claims early on Sunday mornings. The system can get overloaded later in the day and you might have trouble getting through. I learned that the hard way when I almost missed a filing deadline.

Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues. The phone system is absolutely terrible - either busy signal or they hang up on you after an hour on hold. Might have to try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

The whole process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad. Just take it one step at a time and don't put it off. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start getting benefits.

One more thing - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication (which happens sometimes), don't panic. It just means they need to verify some information with your employer. Can take a few weeks but you'll get back pay once it's resolved.

Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial application is still being processed. You can't go back and file for weeks you missed, so don't skip any.

also dont forget to report any money you earn while unemployed, even part time work. they'll reduce your benefits but you wont get in trouble for working. just be honest about everything

The Washington ESD website has a really helpful checklist of everything you need before starting your application. I'd recommend looking at that first so you can gather all your documents in one place.

Last piece of advice - screenshot or print confirmation pages after you submit anything. Having that proof can be helpful if there are any issues later with Washington ESD saying they didn't receive something.

If anyone else is struggling to get through to Washington ESD by phone, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. Worth checking out their demo at least - https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much less stressful.

Bottom line - don't overthink it. File as soon as you can, be honest on all your forms, keep good records, and stay on top of your weekly claims. Washington ESD's system is designed to help people, not trip them up.

same situation here - got laid off last week and feeling totally lost. this thread is exactly what i needed to see. going to start my application tomorrow morning