How do u get unemployment benefits in Washington - need help with the process

You need to file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. Don't wait - there's a waiting week but you should apply right away. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and details about why you lost your job. The process takes about 30-45 minutes online.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to register with WorkSource Washington and document your job search activities. It's 3 job search activities per week once benefits start. Keep detailed records because they can audit your search log.

One thing that helped me was using Claimyr when I had questions about my claim status. I couldn't get through to Washington ESD by phone for weeks - kept getting busy signals or hung up on. Claimyr got me connected to an actual agent who walked me through everything. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

DONT WAIT TO APPLY! I made that mistake and it cost me a week of benefits. Even if you think you might not qualify, file anyway. Washington ESD will determine your eligibility. The worst they can say is no, but if you don't apply you definitely won't get anything.

The whole system is a joke honestly. I've been trying to get my claim processed for 3 weeks and it's stuck in 'adjudication' whatever that means. Customer service is impossible to reach and when you do get through they can't tell you anything useful. Good luck OP, you're gonna need it.

Basic steps: 1) File online at esd.wa.gov 2) Wait for determination letter 3) If approved, file weekly claims every Sunday 4) Do your job search activities 5) Report any work/income. It's pretty straightforward once you get started.

I lost my job in March and the whole process took about 3 weeks from filing to getting my first payment. Make sure you set up direct deposit when you file - checks take forever to arrive by mail. Also keep copies of everything you submit.

One thing nobody mentions is that you might be eligible for more than just regular unemployment. There's also things like training programs and other assistance. Worth exploring all your options on the Washington ESD site.

Pro tip: screenshot everything when you're filing online. The system can be glitchy and sometimes kicks you out. Having screenshots saved me from having to start over twice.

Make sure you understand what disqualifies you too. Working part time while on benefits is allowed but you have to report it correctly. Lying about work or income will get you in trouble and you'll have to pay back benefits.

been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and the process hasn't changed much. Still takes forever to get through on the phone if you have questions. That Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier actually sounds useful - wish I'd known about it before spending hours on hold.

Don't stress too much about the process. Yes it's bureaucratic and slow, but millions of people go through it successfully. Follow the steps, be patient, and keep good records. You'll get through it.

One last thing - make sure you have a secure email address for your claim. Washington ESD sends important notices by email and if you miss them it can delay your benefits. Check your spam folder regularly too.

The weekly claims are pretty quick once you get used to them. Just answer the questions honestly about whether you worked, looked for work, and were available for work. Takes like 5 minutes every Sunday.

I went through this process last year and used Claimyr twice when I had issues. Once when my claim was stuck and once when I had questions about reporting freelance income. Both times they got me connected to someone who could actually help instead of just reading from a script.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are temporary. Use the time to actively look for work and maybe upgrade your skills. The job search requirement isn't just bureaucracy - it's meant to help you get back to work faster.

The hardest part is just getting started. Once you file that initial claim and get into the routine of weekly filing, it becomes pretty automatic. Don't overthink it - just take it one step at a time.

Last bit of advice - keep your claim active even if you think you might have found a job. Don't stop filing weekly claims until you've actually started working and are sure the job is going to work out. You can always stop filing but it's harder to restart if things don't work out.

Good luck with everything! The system isn't perfect but it does work. Just be patient and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. This forum is a great resource and there are people here who've dealt with pretty much every situation.