How do I go about filing for unemployment with Washington ESD - complete beginner

Sorry to hear about the layoff. You'll want to file your initial claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting week. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked.

The online system walks you through everything step by step. Make sure you have a quiet hour to complete it because if you get timed out you might have to start over. Also write down your login info somewhere safe - you'll need it every week to file your weekly claims.

One thing that saved me a ton of headaches was using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent when I had questions during my application. The phone lines are absolutely swamped and I was getting hung up on constantly. Found this service at claimyr.com that gets you connected to a real person - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Totally worth it when you're stuck.

Don't forget you have to register with WorkSource too as part of the process. It's separate from your unemployment claim but required for job search activities. You can do it at worksourcewa.com. Also be prepared that your first payment might take 3-4 weeks if everything goes smoothly.

ugh the whole process is such a nightmare. took me forever to figure out all the different websites and requirements. why cant they just make it simple??

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still pending. Missing a week can mess up your whole timeline. Set a reminder on your phone for Sunday mornings - that's when the new week opens up for filing.

Been through this twice in the last 5 years unfortunately. My advice is to keep copies of EVERYTHING. Screenshots of your applications, confirmation numbers, any correspondence. If something goes wrong you'll be glad you have documentation.

Just be patient with the whole thing. My claim got stuck in adjudication for like 6 weeks because they had to verify my employment history. Super stressful but it eventually worked out.

Actually that reminds me - Claimyr was super helpful when my claim was in adjudication limbo. Took forever to get through on my own but they got me connected to someone who could actually explain what was happening with my case.

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, you might need to file an interstate claim. That can complicate things but Washington ESD will help figure out which state should handle your claim based on where you earned the most wages.

Oh and don't panic if the website is slow or crashes sometimes. It gets heavy traffic especially on Sundays when people are filing weekly claims. Just try again later if you run into technical issues.

Also heads up that you'll need to report any work you do while collecting benefits, even just a few hours. They have worksheets to help calculate how it affects your weekly benefit amount. Better to report everything than risk an overpayment later.

The job search requirements are pretty strict too. You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. Can be applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, etc. Just make sure you track everything.

honestly the worst part is how long everything takes. like why does it take weeks just to get your first payment? people need money NOW when they lose their job

That's why I'm glad I found out about Claimyr early in the process. Being able to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions made everything go so much smoother. Saved me probably hours of confusion and waiting.

Overall just take it one step at a time. File the initial claim first, then worry about the weekly claims and job search stuff. Don't try to figure everything out all at once or you'll get overwhelmed.

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to ask if you run into specific issues. This forum is pretty helpful for troubleshooting Washington ESD problems.

One last tip - if you're getting any severance pay from your employer, that might affect when your benefits start. Make sure to report it accurately on your application so there are no surprises later.

Hope your claim goes through smoothly! Mine took forever but eventually got approved. Just be patient and keep filing those weekly claims.

Welcome to the unemployment club nobody wants to join! But seriously, the system works even though it's frustrating. You'll get through this.