How do you collect unemployment benefits from Washington ESD - complete beginner here

Everything is done online through the Washington ESD website. You'll need to create an account and file your initial application. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months ready. The process takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.

Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first, then file your claim. Make sure you apply as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before benefits start.

I just went through this process last month and it was pretty straightforward once I figured out the system. The hardest part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. Their phone lines are constantly busy and you get disconnected all the time. I must have called 50+ times before I finally got through to a real person.

MAKE SURE YOU FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS EVERY WEEK! I cannot stress this enough. Even if your claim is still pending or under review, you MUST file every Sunday. If you miss filing for a week, you lose that week's benefits permanently.

also you need to do job search activities and keep a log. i think its 3 job contacts per week but double check that because the requirements change sometimes

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get approved and every time I call they just say it's 'under adjudication' with no timeline. Meanwhile I'm behind on rent and can't get any real answers.

For the initial application, you'll answer questions about why you lost your job, your work history, and your availability for work. Be honest about everything - if you lie and they find out later, you could face penalties or have to pay money back.

Don't forget you also need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirements. It's a separate website but connected to your unemployment claim.

One more thing about getting help from Washington ESD - if you do need to call them, seriously consider using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. They got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of me spending hours trying to get through myself.

The weekly benefit amount depends on how much you earned in your base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. Washington ESD calculates it automatically based on your wage records.

just wanted to say good luck! the first time filing can be overwhelming but once you get into the routine of weekly claims it becomes second nature. hang in there

oh and if you have any issues with your claim like it gets denied or there are problems, you can appeal the decision. there are deadlines for appeals though so don't wait too long if something seems wrong

Make sure your direct deposit information is correct in your account. Nothing worse than having your first payment delayed because of banking info errors.

Another tip - screenshot everything! Save copies of your weekly claim confirmations, any correspondence from Washington ESD, everything. I've had stuff disappear from my account before and having screenshots saved me.

The whole process seems complicated at first but Washington ESD's website actually has pretty good step by step instructions once you start digging into it. Don't be afraid to take your time with the initial application and read everything carefully.

If you're worried about making mistakes on the application, you can always save a draft and come back to it later. Just don't wait too long to submit since there can be delays in processing.

Been collecting unemployment for about 2 months now and the biggest surprise was how much they ask about your job search activities. Keep detailed records of every application, every contact, everything. They can audit your job search log at any time.

One last piece of advice - if your claim gets stuck or you run into problems that the website can't resolve, don't just keep trying the same thing over and over. Sometimes you really do need to talk to a human being to get things sorted out.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting this process now. I'm going to gather all my employment info and file my application this weekend.

Just remember that even though the system can be frustrating sometimes, unemployment benefits are there to help you during this transition. Don't feel bad about using a program you've paid into through your taxes.