How do I file for unemployment online through Washington ESD - complete beginner here

First thing - don't panic! Filing online is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first at https://secureaccess.wa.gov, then use that to access your Washington ESD services. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and last employer's information ready before you start.

Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'File a New Claim' link. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Make sure you apply within the first week after your last day of work to avoid any delays in benefits.

Honestly the hardest part is just getting through to someone at Washington ESD if you run into problems. I spent hours trying to call them when my application got stuck. If you need to reach an agent for any reason, there's this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through their phone system. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

ugh the washington esd website is such a nightmare to navigate... took me forever to figure out where everything was when i filed last year

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Create your SecureAccess Washington account, 2) Verify your identity (they'll ask security questions), 3) Access Washington ESD services through your SAW account, 4) Click 'File a New Claim', 5) Complete all the employment history sections, 6) Submit your application. You'll get a confirmation number - write it down!

Make sure you have your banking info ready too if you want direct deposit. Otherwise you'll be waiting for paper checks in the mail which takes forever.

Word of warning - after you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Don't forget to do that or you won't get benefits even if you're approved.

I remember being so confused about the difference between filing the initial claim and the weekly claims when I first started. The initial claim is like your application to get unemployment benefits. The weekly claims are how you actually request payment each week and report your job search activities.

Pro tip: if the website is being slow or glitchy, try filing early in the morning. Seems like there's less traffic then and it processes faster.

Been through this process twice now unfortunately lol. Main thing is just make sure all your employer information is accurate. If you put the wrong dates or company name, it can delay your claim while they verify everything.

MAKE SURE YOU SAVE EVERYTHING! Print out or screenshot your confirmation page, save your confirmation number, keep track of when you filed. The Washington ESD system can be glitchy and you might need proof later.

If you run into any technical issues during the application process, don't just give up. Sometimes refreshing the page or trying a different browser helps. I had issues with Chrome but Firefox worked fine.

The identity verification part can be tricky - they ask questions based on your credit history and past addresses. If you can't answer them, you might have to mail in documents which takes way longer.

I had to call Washington ESD three times during my application process because the system kept timing out. That's when someone told me about using Claimyr to get through faster. Worked like a charm - got connected to an agent in minutes instead of hours on hold.

once you submit your application you'll get an email confirmation pretty quickly but the actual decision takes weeks. don't panic if you don't hear anything right away

Remember you can check your claim status anytime through your SecureAccess Washington account. I checked mine obsessively the first few weeks lol. It'll show if it's pending, approved, or if they need more information from you.

If you're worried about making mistakes on the application, Washington ESD has a practice version you can try first. It's not the real application but it shows you what questions they ask.

Last piece of advice - if you get stuck during the application and need to talk to someone, don't waste hours trying to call. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it saved me so much time. Sometimes you just need a human to explain what went wrong.