How do you file for unemployment - complete beginner needs help with Washington ESD process

First thing - don't panic! Filing is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. You'll file online at esd.wa.gov, not the old secure site. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and how much you earned. Most important thing is to file during your assigned day based on the first letter of your last name.

The Washington ESD website walks you through it step by step. Just make sure you have all your W-2s handy and any pay stubs from this year. You'll also need to register for WorkSource which is their job search system. The whole application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

Been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status. The phone system is absolutely broken - either busy signals or you get disconnected after waiting for hours. Found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved my sanity honestly.

Make SURE you file within the first week after losing your job. I waited two weeks thinking I might find something quickly and ended up losing those weeks of benefits. Washington ESD doesn't pay for the waiting week anyway but you still need to file to establish your claim date.

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. Filed three months ago and still waiting for my first payment because of some adjudication issue they won't explain. Called probably 200 times and either get hung up on or told someone will call me back (they never do). This is supposed to be our safety net but it's completely broken.

One thing people don't mention - you need to keep detailed records of EVERYTHING. Every job you apply for, every contact with Washington ESD, all your earnings. They can audit you later and if you can't prove you were following the rules, they'll make you pay everything back plus penalties.

The Washington ESD website actually has a pretty good checklist of what you need before you start. Don't try to wing it or you'll just have to stop halfway through and start over. I made that mistake and it was frustrating.

Quick tip - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, you might need to file in a different state depending on where you earned the most money. Washington ESD will tell you during the application if you need to file elsewhere.

Don't forget you'll need to file weekly claims every week even if you haven't heard anything about your initial application. I missed filing for two weeks because I thought I had to wait for approval first and lost those weeks completely.

Also heads up - they'll probably schedule you for some kind of WorkSource orientation or workshop. Don't skip it or they'll stop your benefits. Even if it seems pointless, just go and get it over with.

Been on unemployment twice in the last five years unfortunately. The process hasn't really changed much - still clunky but it works if you follow the steps. Biggest thing is just don't procrastinate on any deadlines or requirements they give you.

Make sure your bank account info is correct when you file. I typo'd one digit in my routing number and it took weeks to fix because I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone to correct it. Direct deposit is way faster than waiting for a debit card.

One more thing - if you have any vacation pay or severance coming, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD considers that earnings even if you're not working, so be honest about it on your application.

The whole process stressed me out too but it's really not that bad once you get started. Washington ESD's website is actually pretty user-friendly compared to some other state systems I've heard about. Just take it one step at a time.