How do you file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - complete beginner here

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic info about where I worked?

Just the basic employment info is fine for the initial application. Washington ESD will contact your employers directly to verify wages.

Good to know, I was thinking I should wait until I had all my paperwork perfect but sounds like I should just do it now

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week? I keep hearing different numbers.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week in Washington. Keep detailed records of every application, interview, or job fair you attend.

Wait is it 3? I thought it was 5 job contacts per week. I've been stressing myself out applying to way more than necessary.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

Check out claimyr.com for details. For me it was worth it just to avoid the frustration of calling Washington ESD directly. The phone system is absolutely brutal.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. My cousin used it when her claim got stuck in adjudication and she needed to talk to someone urgently.

Is that a separate website or is it connected to the Washington ESD site?

It's worksourcewa.com - separate but you'll see references to it in your Washington ESD account. You're required to create a profile there.

Adjudication means they're reviewing something about your claim - could be employment verification, separation reason, or eligibility issues. It's frustrating but normal, especially if there are any complications with your work history.

Is there any way to speed it up? I'm running out of money and getting desperate.

You can try calling Washington ESD but honestly the wait times are insane. Some people have luck with the Claimyr service mentioned above to actually get through to an agent.

I was definitely laid off due to lack of work, so that should be straightforward. Thanks for the heads up though!

yeah this is important, I made a mistake on this part and had to appeal my denial. took forever to get it sorted out

Wait so I lose a whole week of benefits? That seems unfair when I already can't afford to be unemployed.

Yeah it sucks but that's how Washington ESD works. The waiting week is just how the system is set up, nothing you can do about it.

Good point, I'll make sure my contact info is current. Do they usually call or email?

Both, but important stuff usually comes by mail too. Check your mailbox regularly because some notices are time-sensitive.

Thanks for the tip! I was planning to do this tonight but maybe I should wait until tomorrow morning.

Tuesday through Thursday mornings are usually the best times to use the Washington ESD website in my experience.

I've only worked in Washington so I should be good there.

You're right, I'm overthinking this. Going to start the application right now.

Smart move! And remember if you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone, Claimyr at claimyr.com can help you reach an actual person without the usual runaround.

That's scary but good advice. I'll definitely keep records of everything.

Yes, always keep documentation. Also write down the date and time whenever you file your weekly claims, just in case there are issues later.

Did you have to do anything special to get approved quickly or was it just luck?

I think it helped that I had straightforward employment history and was clearly laid off for lack of work. No complications = faster processing usually.

How detailed do the job search records need to be?

Company name, date, position applied for, and how you applied (online, in person, etc.). Keep it simple but complete.

Is there a way to estimate what I might get? I'm trying to budget for the next few months.

There's a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website but it's just an estimate. Your actual amount might be different.

That's encouraging! I was worried it would be super complicated.

nah its not bad if you have your info ready. the website walks you through it step by step

So I file once to start the process, then file again every week after that?

Exactly! The weekly claims are much shorter - just a few questions about whether you worked that week and what you did to look for jobs.

Hopefully I won't need to worry about that, but good to know there's an appeal process if something goes wrong.

The appeal deadline is usually 30 days from the date of the denial notice, so don't wait too long if you need to file one.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about starting this process now. Really appreciate all the detailed advice.

No problem! Just remember if you need to talk to Washington ESD directly and can't get through, Claimyr is there as an option. Sometimes you really do need to speak with an actual agent.