How do you file for unemployment - Washington ESD application process confused me

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or just the employer information?

Just the employer info for the initial application. Pay stubs might be helpful later if there are questions about your wages, but Washington ESD gets that info directly from employers.

I was laid off on Wednesday - should I file this week or wait until next week?

File this week! The sooner the better. You can file a claim any day of the week online.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke from being laid off.

It's worth checking out their site for the details. For me it was better than spending hours calling and never getting through.

What kind of questions do they ask about why you're unemployed?

They'll ask if you were fired, laid off, quit, or left for other reasons. Be honest but make sure you understand the difference - being laid off due to lack of work is different from being terminated for cause.

This is so important! I initially said I was 'fired' when I meant laid off and it caused a huge delay in my claim.

Is that a separate website or part of the Washington ESD site?

Separate website - worksourcewa.com. But the Washington ESD application will link you there when you need to register.

Able and available means you're physically able to work and actively looking for work. If you have restrictions like you can only work certain hours or have medical limitations, that might affect your eligibility.

ok that makes sense. I was overthinking it I guess.

How do you file the weekly claims? Same website?

Yes, same SAW account. You'll get instructions after your initial claim is processed.

If it's been 3 weeks, your claim might be in adjudication. This can happen if there are questions about your separation from work or eligibility. You should try calling Washington ESD to check on the status.

I've been trying to call for days but can never get through!

This is exactly the situation where Claimyr helped me. When you can't get through the normal way, they can get you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD.

Good tip! I didn't think about that.

Pro tip: write down your answers on paper first, then fill out the application quickly. The timeout is real and annoying.

wish someone had told me that before I lost my progress twice!

I got two weeks severance - does that mean I can't file for two weeks?

You can file right away, but the severance might delay when you actually receive payments. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your benefits.

What's the success rate with that service?

Worked for me on the first try. Way better than the hours I wasted calling the regular number.

Good luck! Restaurant workers sometimes have unique situations with tips and multiple employers, so make sure you report all your work history accurately.

It's tedious but important to be thorough. Your benefit amount is based on your work history, so leaving out employers could hurt your weekly benefit amount.

Ugh fine, I'll dig up all my old W-2s.

Yes, you can file for partial unemployment if your hours were significantly reduced. You'll need to report your part-time earnings each week, and Washington ESD will calculate a partial benefit.

That's a relief! I wasn't sure if I qualified.

Good advice - I'll screenshot everything as I go.

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. You can use the WorkSource system to track this.

What counts as a 'job search contact'?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews. There's a list on the WorkSource website.

Take it one step at a time and be honest in your answers. If you do make a mistake, you can usually appeal or provide additional information.

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better.

That gives me hope! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Exactly right about asking for help. Sometimes that means using services like Claimyr to actually reach someone at Washington ESD when the phones are jammed.

Oh wow, I never would have thought of that. Adding esd.wa.gov to my contacts now.