How do I file for unemployment with Washington ESD - completely lost on where to start

Washington ESD stands for Employment Security Department - that's the state agency that handles unemployment insurance (UI). You'll file everything online at their website. The basic steps are: 1) Apply for benefits online, 2) Wait for approval, 3) File weekly claims to get paid. You'll need your SSN, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation from your job.

The application process is pretty straightforward but can take some time. You'll create an account on their secure portal and answer questions about your work history, wages, and why you're unemployed. After you apply, Washington ESD will review your claim which can take 1-3 weeks. Once approved, you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Just went through this myself last month. One thing to know is that you might not be able to get through on the phone if you have questions - their call volume is insane. I tried calling for weeks and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

make sure u apply as soon as possible because there's a waiting week where u dont get paid anyway. also dont forget to do the job search stuff or they'll cut u off

The job search requirement is actually 3 work search activities per week, not necessarily 3 job applications. You can attend job fairs, do skills training, networking events, or apply for jobs. You need to keep a log of your activities in case Washington ESD asks for it during an audit.

OMG the website is so confusing! I tried to apply last week and got lost in all the forms. Do I really need to list every single job I've had? What if I can't remember exact dates?

Another heads up - after you file your initial claim, you might go into something called 'adjudication' if there are any questions about your eligibility. This can delay your benefits for weeks while they investigate. Common reasons include quitting vs being laid off, misconduct allegations, or wage disputes.

The system has gotten better since COVID but it's still not perfect. Sometimes the website goes down or glitches out. If that happens, don't panic - just try again later. Also make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week or you'll lose those benefits permanently.

Been on unemployment twice in the past few years unfortunately. One thing people don't realize is that your benefit amount is based on your wages from over a year ago, not your most recent job. They use something called a 'base period' which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed.

Just a warning - the approval process can be really slow right now. I applied 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting. If you run into delays and need to speak with someone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too. Saved me hours of trying to get through on the phone.

Make sure you understand the difference between being 'able and available' for work versus being on 'standby' status. If you're temporarily laid off and expecting to be called back, that's standby. If you're permanently separated and actively looking for new work, that's regular UI benefits.

the worst part is when they ask for ID verification and then take forever to process it. happened to my brother and he didnt get paid for like 6 weeks

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income! You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I learned this the hard way and owed a bunch of money at tax time.

Also be prepared for the fact that unemployment benefits aren't that much money. In Washington, the maximum weekly benefit is around $844 but most people get less than that. It's meant to be temporary assistance, not a full salary replacement.

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I've been trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD for months about an overpayment notice that I think is wrong. The online appeal system is just as confusing as everything else.

One more tip - if you have any union benefits or severance pay, that might affect your unemployment eligibility or delay when you can start collecting. Make sure you report all of that accurately when you apply.

just start the application and see what happens. you can always call if you get confused but good luck getting through lol

The most important thing is to be completely honest on your application. If they find out later that you weren't truthful about anything, they can make you pay back all the benefits plus penalties. It's not worth the risk.

Also remember you can usually collect benefits for up to 26 weeks in Washington, but you need to keep filing those weekly claims and meeting all the requirements. Miss a week and you lose that week's benefits forever.

Washington state also has extended benefits sometimes during high unemployment periods, but I don't think those are available right now. The regular 26 weeks is what you can count on.