How do I file unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - first time filer

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 information from the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The system is usually fastest early morning or late evening when call volumes are lower.

The online application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. Make sure you have your last employer's full business name and address - not just the store location but their corporate headquarters info too.

Had to file last month and the hardest part was actually getting through to someone when I had questions. If you run into issues during the application process, I found a service called Claimyr that helps people get connected to Washington ESD agents faster. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful when I needed to talk to someone.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you file. Washington requires you to look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. You'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week once your waiting period is over.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. took me forever to figure out where to even start when i got laid off

One thing to be really careful about - when they ask why you left your job, be specific and honest. If you were laid off due to lack of work, say that exactly. If you were terminated, explain the circumstances. Don't just put 'fired' because that could delay your claim in adjudication.

Don't forget you have to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Filing the initial application is just the first step. Every Sunday you'll need to log in and answer questions about your job search and any work you did that week.

I'm worried about making mistakes on my application. What happens if I put the wrong information by accident?

The Washington ESD website has a really good checklist of documents you need before you start. I printed it out and gathered everything first which made the process much smoother.

Also important - you might have a one week waiting period before you receive benefits. This means your first week of unemployment typically isn't paid, so plan your finances accordingly.

been through this process twice unfortunately. biggest tip is to keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit and all the confirmation numbers they give you

If your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, that's when you'll really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. The automated system can only tell you so much about what's holding up your claim.

Make sure you have a good phone number and email address on file because Washington ESD will contact you through those if they need additional information. Check your email regularly including spam folder.

honestly the worst part is waiting to hear back after you file. they say 2-3 weeks but mine took almost a month to get approved

The key thing people don't realize is that your monetary determination letter will show how much you can receive per week and for how many weeks. This is based on your earnings from the last 18 months, not just your most recent job.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I ended up using them twice during my claim period and it really saved me time and stress. The first time was for filing issues and the second was when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Both times I got connected to an actual Washington ESD agent within a reasonable time instead of the usual phone nightmare.

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA registration too. You'll need to register there for job search assistance and they have resources that can help you find work faster.

Remember 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 next year.

good luck with your claim! the whole process is stressful but once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims it becomes easier

One last tip - if you do any work while receiving benefits, even just a few hours, make sure you report it on your weekly claim. Not reporting work can create overpayment issues later.