How do I get unemployment benefits in Washington - complete beginner needs help with Washington ESD process

You can file everything online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and information about your last employer including dates worked and reason for separation. Don't wait - you should file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week.

The whole process is pretty straightforward but make sure you have all your employment history for the past 2 years ready. Washington ESD will ask for employer names, addresses, dates worked, and gross wages. Also be prepared to explain why you're no longer working - they need to determine if you qualify.

Here's what worked for me - I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get through to Washington ESD when I had questions during my application. Their phone system is impossible to navigate on your own, but Claimyr has a way to get you connected to an actual agent. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration.

Make sure you understand that after you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to keep getting paid. This is where a lot of people mess up - they think filing once is enough. You also have to register with WorkSource Washington and do job search activities.

don't forget you'll have to wait a week before getting paid even if approved right away. washington has this stupid waiting week policy

One more important thing - when you create your account, you'll go through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). Make sure you remember your login information because if you get locked out, it's a nightmare to get back in. Write down your username and password somewhere safe.

The most important advice I can give is to be completely honest on your application. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers, so don't try to fudge dates or wages. If there are any discrepancies, your claim could go into adjudication which means delays in payment.

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'File a Claim' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington account 3) Complete the initial claim application 4) Wait for your monetary determination letter 5) Register with WorkSource Washington 6) File your first weekly claim after the waiting week. The whole initial application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

I'm in the same boat as OP - lost my job two weeks ago but was scared to file because I didn't understand the process. This thread is giving me confidence to finally do it. Better late than never I guess?

The Washington ESD system is so confusing compared to other states. Why can't they just make it simple? At least the website works better than it used to - a few years ago it would crash constantly.

Quick question - if I was working part-time when I got laid off, can I still get unemployment? I was only working 25 hours a week.

Just want to mention Claimyr again because I've seen so many people struggle with getting through to Washington ESD on the phone. If you run into any issues during your application or after filing, seriously check out claimyr.com. They've helped thousands of people get connected when they needed to talk to an agent. The video demo shows exactly how it works.

Don't forget that if you have any severance pay or vacation payout, that might affect when you can start collecting benefits. Washington ESD considers this as wages for the period it covers.

The hardest part for me was keeping track of all the job search activities. Make sure you start a log right away and record everything - where you applied, when, contact person, etc. They can audit you at any time.

One thing that confused me was the difference between filing the initial claim and filing weekly claims. The initial claim is like your application, but then you have to file a weekly claim every week to actually get paid. Two different things!

If your claim gets denied for any reason, don't panic. You have the right to appeal and many denials get overturned. Just make sure you appeal within 30 days of the determination.

Pro tip: file your weekly claims early in the week, like Sunday or Monday. If there are any issues, you have more time to resolve them before the deadline.

This whole thread has been so helpful! I was putting off filing because it seemed overwhelming, but now I feel like I understand the process. Going to gather my documents and file today.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are temporary - they're meant to help you while you look for work, not replace working permanently. Stay focused on your job search and treat it like a full-time job itself.

Last thing - make sure you report any work or income while collecting benefits, even if it's just a few hours here and there. They will find out and you don't want to deal with an overpayment situation.