How do I receive unemployment benefits in Washington state - complete beginner

You'll need to file your initial claim online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You can't do it in person anymore - everything is online now. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from your last job including dates worked and reason for separation.

After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. The weekly claim is basically confirming you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. Most people file on Sundays for the previous week.

The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week in Washington state. You need to keep a log of where you applied, when, and how you applied. Washington ESD can audit this at any time so keep good records.

Getting through to Washington ESD by phone is absolutely horrible if you need help. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my claim status. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Your weekly benefit amount depends on how much you earned in your base period. Washington ESD looks at the highest quarter of earnings in your base period and calculates from there. Most people get between $300-800 per week but it varies.

make sure you have all your info ready when you file online because the system times out if you take too long. happened to me twice before i got it submitted

After you file your initial claim, it can take 2-3 weeks to get your first payment if everything goes smoothly. Sometimes claims get sent to adjudication which can delay things by several more weeks. Adjudication happens when ESD needs to verify information or investigate something about your claim.

You'll receive benefits on a debit card called the KeyBank Way2Go card. It usually arrives within 7-10 business days after your first payment is issued. You can also set up direct deposit but the card comes automatically.

Don't forget you have to report ANY income you earn while collecting unemployment, even if it's just a few hours of work. This includes gig work, freelancing, odd jobs, everything. Report it on your weekly claim.

Make sure you're actually eligible before filing. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. There's an eligibility tool on the ESD website that can give you an estimate.

if your claim gets denied dont give up!! you can appeal the decision. i got denied first time because they said i quit but i was actually fired. appealed it and won

Another thing about Claimyr - I used them when I couldn't figure out why my weekly claims weren't going through. Turns out there was a technical issue with my account that only an ESD agent could fix. Would have taken me forever to get through on my own.

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely broken. I've called hundreds of times and either get hung up on or sit on hold for 3+ hours. The system is designed to discourage people from calling.

You might want to sign up for WorkSourceWA too. It's the state's job search website and sometimes ESD requires you to use it. Better to have an account set up early just in case.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application or weekly claims. Washington ESD will catch it eventually and you'll have to pay back everything plus penalties. They cross-reference with employment records.

the whole system is a nightmare honestly. took me 3 months to get my first payment and by then i was already behind on everything. just be prepared for it to take way longer than they say it will

To summarize for OP: 1) File initial claim online at esd.wa.gov, 2) File weekly claims every week, 3) Do your job search (3 contacts per week), 4) Keep detailed records, 5) Be patient because it takes time. Most people do eventually get their benefits but the system is slow and frustrating.

One more tip - take screenshots of everything when you file your claims. Sometimes the system glitches and you need proof that you submitted something on time.

Also save all your confirmation numbers and emails from ESD. You'll need them if there are any issues later on.

good luck op!! the first few weeks are the hardest while you're waiting and figuring everything out. once you get in the routine it gets easier