How do you file a weekly claim for unemployment in Washington ESD system?
I'm completely new to unemployment and just got approved for benefits after waiting 2 weeks for adjudication. Now I need to file my first weekly claim but I'm totally lost on how to do this. I logged into my Washington ESD account but there's so many different sections and I can't figure out where to actually submit my weekly claim. Do I use the SecureAccess Washington portal or is there a different website? Also when exactly am I supposed to file it - is it every Sunday or does it depend on when I first applied? Any help would be appreciated because I don't want to mess this up and delay my payments.
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Isabella Ferreira
You file your weekly claims through the same SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal where you applied. Look for the 'Weekly Claim' or 'File Weekly Claim' link on your main unemployment dashboard. You typically file for the previous week on Sunday, but your specific filing day depends on the last digit of your SSN.
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Malik Thompson
•Thank you! I found the weekly claim section. My SSN ends in 7 so when would my filing day be?
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Isabella Ferreira
•If your SSN ends in 7, your filing day is typically Wednesday. But double-check your account - Washington ESD should show your specific filing schedule in your claim summary.
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CosmicVoyager
The weekly claim form asks about job search activities and any work you did that week. Make sure you report ALL work and income, even if it's just a few hours. I made the mistake of not reporting a small freelance job and got hit with an overpayment notice later.
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Malik Thompson
•Good point about reporting everything. Do I need to report volunteer work too or just paid work?
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CosmicVoyager
•Only paid work needs to be reported on your weekly claim. Volunteer work doesn't count as earnings that would reduce your benefits.
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Ravi Kapoor
I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my weekly claims. Spent literally hours on hold. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to clarify some weekly claim requirements.
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Freya Nielsen
•How much does that cost? I'm already broke waiting for my unemployment payments.
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Ravi Kapoor
•It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, the time saved was definitely worth it compared to spending whole days trying to get through on the phone.
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Omar Mahmoud
Make sure you understand the job search requirements! You need to complete 3 job search activities each week and keep detailed records. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.
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Malik Thompson
•What counts as a valid job search activity? Is just browsing job websites enough?
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Omar Mahmoud
•No, just browsing doesn't count. You need specific activities like applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or registering with WorkSourceWA. Each activity needs employer/contact info and dates.
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Chloe Harris
•The WorkSourceWA registration is mandatory too. I got a letter saying I had to complete my profile there within 21 days of my claim being approved.
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Diego Vargas
Been filing weekly claims for 8 months now and here's what I've learned: file as early as possible on your designated day, double-check all your entries before submitting, and NEVER skip a week even if you worked full-time that week. You still need to file and report the work.
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Malik Thompson
•What happens if I accidentally skip filing one week? Can I go back and file it later?
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Diego Vargas
•You can file late but you might lose that week's benefits permanently. Washington ESD has strict deadlines and they don't always allow back-filing. Better to file on time every single week.
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NeonNinja
ugh this system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple like other states
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CosmicVoyager
•I know it's frustrating but once you get the hang of filing weekly claims it becomes routine. The first few times are definitely confusing though.
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NeonNinja
•i guess but still shouldnt be this complicated to get benefits you paid into
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Isabella Ferreira
One more important tip - if you're on standby status (temporary layoff expecting to return to work), your weekly claim process is slightly different. You still file weekly but you don't need to do job search activities. Make sure your employer filed the proper standby paperwork with Washington ESD.
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Anastasia Popov
•I'm on standby but still having to do job searches. My employer said they filed everything correctly. Should I call Washington ESD?
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Isabella Ferreira
•Yes, definitely call. If you're truly on approved standby status, you shouldn't need to do job searches. There might be an issue with how your employer filed the paperwork.
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Ravi Kapoor
•This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helped me get through to someone quickly. Standby status issues can be tricky to resolve without talking to an actual person.
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Chloe Harris
Does anyone know if the weekly claim filing time matters? Like if I file at 6 AM versus 6 PM on my designated day?
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Diego Vargas
•Time of day doesn't matter as long as it's on your correct filing day. I usually file mine around lunchtime just to get it done early.
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Sean Murphy
•I file mine right at midnight when my day starts, just to make sure I don't forget later in the day.
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Freya Nielsen
WARNING - don't lie on your weekly claims! I know someone who got caught not reporting cash work and Washington ESD made them pay back everything plus penalties. They investigate fraud seriously.
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Zara Khan
•How do they even find out about unreported work?
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Freya Nielsen
•They cross-reference with employer wage reports, tax records, and they have investigators who can check social media and other sources. Not worth the risk.
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Luca Ferrari
The weekly claim questions are pretty straightforward once you do it a few times. They ask if you worked, how much you earned, if you were able and available for work, and about your job search activities. Just answer honestly and you'll be fine.
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Malik Thompson
•What does 'able and available' actually mean? I had a cold last week but could still have worked if someone offered me a job.
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Luca Ferrari
•Able and available means you're physically capable of working and actively seeking employment. A minor cold probably wouldn't disqualify you, but if you were hospitalized or had other major limitations, that could affect your benefits.
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Nia Davis
Pro tip: keep screenshots of your submitted weekly claims! I had a glitch once where the system said I didn't file but I had the screenshot proof. Saved me from losing a week of benefits.
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Mateo Martinez
•Great advice! I also keep a simple notebook with dates I filed and any important details from each week.
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Malik Thompson
•These are really helpful tips. I'm feeling much more confident about filing my first weekly claim now.
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QuantumQueen
If you have issues with your weekly claim showing as 'under review' or payments delayed, it might be worth trying to reach someone at Washington ESD. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually got me through to an agent who explained why my claim was held up.
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Aisha Rahman
•Was it expensive to use? I'm hesitant to pay for something when I'm already struggling financially.
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QuantumQueen
•Check their website for current details, but for me it was worth it to resolve my payment delay quickly rather than lose weeks of benefits while trying to get through on my own.
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Ethan Wilson
Don't forget that you can usually see your weekly claim status and payment history in your Washington ESD account. If your claim shows as processed but you haven't received payment, there might be an issue with your bank info or debit card.
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Malik Thompson
•How long does it usually take to get paid after filing a weekly claim?
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Ethan Wilson
•Typically 2-3 business days if there are no issues with your claim. Direct deposit is usually faster than the debit card option.
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Yuki Sato
Make sure your contact information is always up to date in your Washington ESD account! They'll send important notices about your weekly claims and any issues that come up. I missed a critical letter because I forgot to update my address.
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Carmen Flores
•This happened to my neighbor too. She missed a notice about additional documentation needed and her benefits got suspended.
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Yuki Sato
•Exactly! And if you move, update it immediately. Don't wait until your next weekly claim filing.
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Andre Dubois
One last thing - if you start working part-time while collecting unemployment, you can still file weekly claims and potentially receive partial benefits. Don't just stop filing completely if you get some work. Report the earnings and let Washington ESD calculate if you still qualify for anything.
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Malik Thompson
•That's good to know! I was worried that any work would completely disqualify me from benefits.
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Andre Dubois
•Nope, they have a formula that reduces your benefits based on how much you earn, but you might still get some money. Always better to report and let them calculate it.
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CyberSamurai
•The partial benefit calculation can be confusing though. If you're not sure how much to report or how it affects your benefits, that's another good reason to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly.
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