How do I file for unemployment in Washington - complete beginner needs help

Thank you! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after being laid off or can I file right away?

You can file immediately, don't wait. The sooner you file the sooner your benefits can start.

Did you have to provide pay stubs or anything like that?

no they don't ask for pay stubs when you first file, they get that info from your employers directly

Thank you! Do I need to have exact dates and wages from all my previous jobs?

Yes, try to be as accurate as possible. If you don't have exact figures, your best estimate is fine - Washington ESD will verify with your employers.

What kind of job search activities? Like how many applications per week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. This includes applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, etc.

Wait I thought it was 2 contacts per week? Or did they change it recently?

It's 3 contacts per week in Washington. Has been for a while now.

Thank you! Do I need exact dates for all my jobs or just approximate?

Exact dates are better if you have them, but approximate is okay. Just be as accurate as possible.

Thank you! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after being laid off before I can file?

Nope, you can file right away. Actually the sooner the better because there's a waiting week before benefits start.

What happens if I mess up the weekly claims? Can I fix mistakes?

You can usually correct mistakes but it's better to be careful the first time. Take your time filling them out.

That's reassuring to hear. How long did it take you to complete the application?

maybe 30-45 minutes? i had to stop and look up some old employer addresses but otherwise not too bad

What happens after I submit the application? Do I need to do anything else right away?

After you submit, you'll get a confirmation and then need to wait for Washington ESD to process your claim. This can take 1-2 weeks. You should also start filing your weekly claims right away, even if your initial claim is still pending.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone about our own benefits.

I get the frustration but honestly after spending whole days trying to get through, it was worth it for me. The alternative was just never reaching anyone.

Good to know this exists if I run into problems. Hopefully the online filing goes smoothly.

What if I don't remember my supervisor's exact name? Will that cause problems?

Just put what you remember or check your old pay stubs. They mainly need the company info to contact HR.

So I file but don't get paid for the first week? That seems weird.

Yeah it's called a waiting week. You file the claim but no payment for that first week. After that you should get payments if everything goes through okay.

Is that legit? I'm nervous about using third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legitimate - they just help you get connected to the actual Washington ESD agents. Saved me so much frustration when my claim got stuck.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't reach anyone for weeks. Worked great and got my issues resolved quickly.

That sounds too good to be true, but at this point I'm willing to try anything. Thanks for the suggestion.

What happens if I don't hear back in a few days? Should I call?

Good luck getting through by phone. The call volume is insane. If it's been more than a week with no response, then yeah try calling.

I had to call Washington ESD last month and spent literally 4 hours on hold. Ended up using Claimyr.com to get through - they have some system that calls for you and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Look for the big 'Apply for Benefits' button on the homepage. It should be pretty obvious.

Yeah I found it eventually but the whole site is just overwhelming with so much information scattered everywhere.

tell me about it, took me forever to find anything on that site

I've been working at my retail job for about 8 months, does that count as enough?

Should be fine if you were working regular hours. The system will calculate your base period wages automatically when you file.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit my initial application?

Yes! The system will tell you when your first weekly claim is due. Usually it's the Sunday after you file your initial claim.

This is super important - I missed filing my first two weekly claims because I thought I had to wait for approval. Lost $800 in benefits that I could never get back.

2 weeks?? I was hoping to get benefits right away since I need to pay rent next week.

yeah unfortunately it's not instant. that's why you need to file asap to get the process started

Mine took 3 weeks and then went into adjudication for another month. Hope yours is faster!

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. I was in the same boat - couldn't reach anyone for weeks until I tried their service.

I might have to look into that. This is ridiculous that we can't even talk to someone about our own benefits.

I understand the frustration but most people do get through the process successfully. It just takes patience.

That's scary to hear but I have to try. Hopefully I have better luck.

What are the job search requirements exactly? Do I need to start those right away?

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You can do this through WorkSourceWA.com or track it yourself. Start immediately - Washington ESD can ask for your job search log at any time.

Wait, I thought it was 2 job contacts per week? When did they change it to 3?

It's been 3 per week for most claimants since the pandemic ended. Some people might have different requirements based on their situation, but standard is 3.

Do I need to start job searching immediately or can I wait until my claim is approved?

Start immediately. The job search requirement begins the week you file your claim, not when it's approved.

You can use WorkSourceWA.com to search for jobs and it automatically logs your searches for you. Makes the whole process easier.

This is super helpful, thank you! One more question - do I need to report the severance pay I'm getting from my employer?

Yes, you need to report any severance pay. It might affect when your benefits start or how much you get.

Thanks! I'm trying to stay positive about it.

Good advice, I'll start a folder right now with all the paperwork.

Screenshot everything too, especially confirmation pages when you file your weekly claims.

When do I need to register with WorkSource? Right away or after I get approved?

You should register right after you file your initial claim, don't wait for approval.

How do I prove I'm looking for work? Do I need to keep records?

Yes, keep a job search log with at least 3 job contacts per week. Washington ESD can audit this anytime.

And register with WorkSource WA - that's required for most claimants.

What kind of issues would cause adjudication? I'm worried now that something might be wrong.

Common things are unclear reason for separation, wage discrepancies, or if you worked for multiple employers recently. Don't panic - most claims go through without issues.

My claim went into adjudication because my employer contested it. Took 6 weeks to resolve and I couldn't get anyone at Washington ESD to explain what was happening. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through to an agent who explained the whole process. Worth every penny to get real answers.

I understand the frustration, but once you get through the initial setup, it becomes routine. The weekly claims are pretty straightforward once you know what you're doing.

i hope so because right now i feel like i need a college degree just to file for unemployment benefits

What happens if I work a few hours one week? Do I lose my benefits completely?

No, you don't lose them completely. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on what you earned, but you can still receive partial benefits. Always report any work though - not reporting can cause serious problems.

So the initial filing is just to get approved, then I have to file separately each week to actually get the money?

exactly! the initial claim establishes your eligibility and benefit amount, then weekly claims are how you actually request payment each week

6 weeks seems like forever when you have bills to pay. Did you have any issues with your claim?

yeah it went into adjudication for some reason but got approved eventually. just be patient

My layoff might be temporary but they said it could be 6 months or more. Which category would that be?

With that timeline, you'd probably file as able and available and start looking for other work. You can always go back if they call you.

What if I'm not sure about exact dates or wages? Should I guess?

Check your pay stubs or W-2 from last year. If you don't have them, your employer should have given you a separation notice with the info you need.

You can also call your old employer's HR department - they usually have all your employment dates and wage info on file.

So I'll be waiting at least 2 weeks for my first payment?

Yeah, typically the waiting week plus processing time means 2-3 weeks for your first payment. Plan accordingly.

Can I change to direct deposit later if I forget to set it up initially?

Yes, but you'll have to call or log into your account to change it. Easier to just do it right the first time.

Good advice! I'll make sure to screenshot everything as I go through the process.

How do you keep track of your job searches? Just write them down somewhere?

I use a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and how I applied. Washington ESD can ask for this info at any time.

WorkSourceWA automatically tracks your searches if you use their site. Way easier than keeping your own log.

Did they actually help resolve your adjudication or just explain what was happening?

They explained what documents I needed to submit and where to submit them. My claim was approved about a week after I got that information.

I hadn't thought about healthcare coverage. Do I need to do anything special for that?

Check out the Washington Healthplanfinder website for insurance options. You might qualify for subsidies.

Definitely planning to be honest. I was laid off due to store closure so hopefully that's pretty straightforward.

Store closure should be no problem at all, that's clearly not your fault.

How long should I expect before I actually see any money?

if everything goes smoothly maybe 3-4 weeks from when you file. if there are any issues it could be months

This is why having backup options like Claimyr to reach agents can be so helpful when things get stuck.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared to start this process now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any problems along the way.

What would cause a claim to go to adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

Lots of things can trigger it - job separation issues, wage discrepancies, identity verification. It's not necessarily bad, just means they need more info.

When's the best time to file the weekly claims then?

I always do mine on Monday or Tuesday morning. Much more reliable.

Good advice! I do mine Tuesday afternoons and never have issues.

How much does it cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's way cheaper than losing weeks of benefits because you can't get help. Check their website for current pricing.

What if I don't have all my old pay stubs? My last job was pretty disorganized.

You can use your W-2 or even contact your old employer for wage information. Washington ESD can also verify wages through their system.

That makes me feel better. I keep worrying I'm going to mess up the application somehow.

You'll be fine! Just take your time and read everything carefully. And remember you can always call for help if you get stuck.

Good point. I'll make sure to be completely honest about everything.

Exactly. Honesty is always the best policy with government benefits.

What kind of documentation did they want from you?

They wanted verification of my last day of work and my final pay stub. Took about a week to process after I sent it in.

Thank you everyone for all the help! I feel much more prepared to tackle this now.

You're welcome! Remember, thousands of people go through this process successfully. You've got this!

I'll definitely come back if I get stuck. Thanks for being so welcoming!

That's what we're here for. Good luck with your application!

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help a newcomer. This has been incredibly helpful.

We've all been where you are now. Pay it forward when you can!

Definitely going the online route. Sounds like that's what most people recommend.

Smart choice. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection and plenty of time to complete it without rushing.

I bookmarked their site just in case. Hopefully I won't need it but good to have as backup.

Smart thinking. It's one of those things that's great to have in your back pocket if you need it.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm feeling much more confident about this whole process now.

That's the spirit! Feel free to update us on how it goes.

How long do you have to appeal if something goes wrong?

Usually 30 days from when you receive the determination notice, but check the specific notice for the exact deadline.

Two weeks isn't unusual for processing, especially if your claim needs any verification. Check your online account regularly for updates and make sure you're filing your weekly claims.

If you're really worried about your claim status, that's another situation where Claimyr can help. They can get you connected to Washington ESD agents who can check what's happening with your claim.

Wait, so I don't get paid for the first week even if I'm approved?

Correct, the first week is unpaid. It's just how the system works in Washington. You'll get paid starting from your second week of eligibility.

That's a good distinction. How will I know when my claim is actually approved?

You'll get a determination letter either by mail or in your online account. It will tell you if you're approved, denied, or if they need more information.

That's good to hear. I was worried it would be really complicated.

Can I set up direct deposit after I file, or does it have to be done during the initial application?

You can set it up later through your online account, but it's easier to do it during the initial filing if you have the info handy.

That's encouraging to hear! Did you have any issues during the process?

nothing major, just had to verify some employment dates but that was quick once i provided the documentation

I am getting some severance pay. Will that disqualify me completely?

Not necessarily disqualify, but it might delay when your benefits start. Washington ESD will calculate how the severance affects your claim.

That's exactly why I recommend Claimyr to people. The agents are helpful when you can reach them, but getting through is the real challenge. Claimyr takes care of that part for you.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting this process now.

Is that service expensive? I'm trying to save money while I'm unemployed.

I'd rather pay a little to get my questions answered than waste entire days trying to call. Time is money, especially when you're dealing with benefit delays.

I was skeptical about using a service like that but honestly it saved me so much stress. Got through to an agent in 20 minutes vs the 4+ hours I'd been trying on my own.

What if I was fired for cause? Should I still apply?

Depends on the reason. If it was misconduct, probably not. But if it was performance issues or attendance, you might still qualify. File and see what happens.

How much do they withhold for taxes?

I think it's 10% federal. You can also have state taxes withheld if you want.

I worked in Oregon for 6 months last year but my most recent job was in Washington. Which state do I file in?

Usually you file in the state where you worked most recently, so Washington. But the system will figure out which state's wages to use for your benefit calculation.

How long do the weekly claims take? I'm worried they'll be complicated.

Like 5 minutes max. Just basic questions about whether you worked, looked for work, and if you're still able and available to work.

Good idea! Should I print out the confirmation page too?

Definitely! And save that confirmation number somewhere safe. You'll need it if you have to call about your claim.

Thank you everyone! This has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions after you file.