How do I sign up for unemployment in Washington - need help with application process

First, go to esd.wa.gov and create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the last 18 months. Make sure you have employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation for each job. The sooner you file, the better - there's a waiting week but your claim date starts when you first apply.

The online application is pretty straightforward but can take 30-45 minutes to complete. Don't rush through it - wrong information can cause delays in processing your claim. After you submit, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down! You'll also need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirement.

I went through this process 6 months ago and it was such a headache trying to reach anyone at Washington ESD when I had questions. The phone lines are constantly busy and the callback system rarely works. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this video that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of frustration honestly.

Make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing your weekly claims. After your initial application is approved, you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to actually receive payments. Many people file the initial claim and then forget about the weekly requirement and wonder why they're not getting paid.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't gotten approved. keeps saying pending and I can't reach anyone to ask what's going on. running out of money fast

Been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks straight with no luck. The automated system just hangs up on me after an hour of waiting. This is ridiculous - people need help and can't get through to anyone! There has to be a better way to reach them.

For the application, you'll also need to choose how you want to receive payments - direct deposit or debit card. Direct deposit is faster but you need your bank account and routing numbers. The debit card gets mailed to you and can take 7-10 days to arrive.

Pro tip: keep detailed records of everything! Screenshot your confirmation pages, save all emails from Washington ESD, and document any phone calls you make. If something goes wrong later, having this paper trail can save you a lot of headaches during appeals or overpayment disputes.

One thing that confused me was the base period calculation. They don't use your most recent earnings - they use the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at January-December 2024, not your most recent paystubs.

Don't forget about the job search requirement! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. WorkSource Washington has tools to help track this, but you can also use your own system as long as you document employer name, date, type of contact, and position applied for.

I made the mistake of waiting two weeks after losing my job to file, thinking I might get called back. Big mistake! You should file as soon as possible after your last day of work - even if you think it might be temporary. You can always withdraw your claim if you get called back, but you can't backdate benefits for weeks you didn't file.

when i filed last year the website kept timing out and i lost all my info twice. make sure to save your progress frequently if theres an option. so frustrating to start over

The hardest part for me was getting through when I had questions about my claim status. I kept getting the runaround with the automated system and could never reach a human. A friend told me about this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to Washington ESD agents without the endless hold times. I was skeptical at first but it really worked - got through to someone in like 15 minutes instead of hours of calling.

Also important to know: if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, you need to report ALL earnings, even if it's just a few hours. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn, but you can still receive partial benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

I remember being so stressed about the whole process, but honestly once you get through the initial application it's pretty routine. The weekly claims only take a few minutes, and as long as you're actively looking for work and reporting accurately, it's straightforward. The key is just getting started and not overthinking it.

One last thing - make sure your contact information is up to date in your account. Washington ESD will send important notices by mail and email, and if they can't reach you about issues with your claim, it can cause delays or even disqualifications. Check your spam folder regularly too!