How do I file unemployment online through Washington ESD website?

Yes, secure.esd.wa.gov is the correct website for filing your initial unemployment claim in Washington. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't already have one. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

Make sure you file as soon as possible! There's a waiting week in Washington but your claim starts from the date you file, not when you lost your job. I waited too long and lost out on benefits I could have gotten.

The online application process usually takes 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. After you submit, you'll need to file weekly claims every Sunday to continue getting benefits. Also, you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington and do job searches - they'll tell you the requirements after your claim is processed.

Just went through this process last month and it was a nightmare trying to reach anyone at Washington ESD when I had questions. The phone lines are always busy and they don't return messages. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

ugh the washington esd website is terrible... crashed on me three times when i was trying to file. finally got through but then my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks with no explanation!

Pro tip: Save copies of everything you submit and take screenshots of each page as you go through the application. If something goes wrong, you'll have proof of what you submitted.

One more thing - make sure you're eligible before filing. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). If you were fired for misconduct or quit without good cause, you might not qualify.

Also don't forget you have to be actively looking for work once you start getting benefits. They require 3 job search activities per week and you need to keep a log of what you did.

Be prepared for the process to take longer than you expect. Even when everything goes smoothly, it can take 2-3 weeks to get your first payment. Have a backup plan for expenses in the meantime.

Whatever you do, don't give up if the website is slow or crashes. Keep trying. I filed at like 2am and it went through fine. The system is just overloaded during peak hours.

Make sure your browser is updated and disable any ad blockers while you're on the Washington ESD site. I had issues with the forms not submitting properly until I turned off my ad blocker.

I just filed mine last week and it was pretty straightforward once I got started. The hardest part was remembering all my previous job details. Take your time and don't rush through it.

After you file, you'll get a determination letter in the mail or in your online account. Don't ignore it! It tells you if you're approved and how much you'll get per week.

If you have any issues during the application process, there's also a customer service chat option on the website. It's not always available but sometimes it's faster than calling.

my friend used claimyr too when she couldn't get through to anyone at washington esd. she said it was super easy and they got her connected to someone who helped explain why her weekly claims kept getting denied. definitely worth checking out if you run into problems

Don't forget to check your spam folder for emails from Washington ESD after you file. Sometimes their notifications end up there instead of your inbox.

The waiting week thing is important to understand - you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment even if you're approved. It's just how the system works in Washington.

Keep your login info somewhere safe after you create your account. You'll need to log in every week to file your weekly claim, and if you get locked out it can be a pain to get back in.

If you're getting severance pay or have other income, make sure you report it when you file. Washington ESD will find out anyway and it's better to be upfront about it from the start.

Last thing - don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication or if there are delays. It's frustrating but the system is backed up and these things happen. Just keep filing your weekly claims and be patient.