How do you file for unemployment in Washington - first time and totally lost

Sorry to hear about your job loss. First step is to go to esd.wa.gov and create an account. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The sooner you file the better since there's a waiting week before benefits can start.

The online application is pretty straightforward but make sure you answer everything accurately. Any mistakes can cause delays in processing your claim.

Filing the initial claim is just the beginning. You'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Don't skip a week even if you haven't been paid yet because you could lose benefits.

If you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I recently discovered claimyr.com which helped me connect with an agent when I was stuck. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

make sure you have your banking info ready too for direct deposit setup. otherwise you'll have to wait for a debit card which takes longer

One more important thing - when you file, you'll choose a weekly claim day (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday). Pick one that works for your schedule because you'll need to file every week on that same day.

The whole process is honestly pretty stressful the first time. Don't feel bad if you're confused - the Washington ESD website can be confusing to navigate.

After you submit your application, you should get a determination letter within a few days telling you if you're approved and what your weekly benefit amount will be. Keep an eye on your mail and your online account.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to register with WorkSourceWA and keep a log of your job search activities. They can audit you at any time.

I filed about 6 months ago and the hardest part was getting through to someone when I had questions. Definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned if you need to talk to an agent.

Just want to add - be completely honest about why you left your job. If they find out later that you weren't truthful, it can cause major problems including having to pay benefits back.

The Washington ESD system has gotten better over the years but it's still not perfect. Be patient with the process and don't panic if there are delays.

One thing that helped me was printing out the confirmation page after I submitted my application. Good to have a record that you filed on a specific date.

if you have any issues with the application process, that claimyr thing really does work. i was stuck for weeks trying to get through to washington esd and they got me connected in like 30 minutes

You got this! Filing for unemployment is never fun but it's a safety net that's there for a reason. Take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Just remember to keep filing those weekly claims every week once you get approved. Missing even one week can mess up your benefits.

The whole unemployment system can feel overwhelming but you'll get the hang of it. Most people do fine once they understand the basic requirements.

Make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and other programs. Since you were laid off from regular employment, you'll file for regular UI benefits through Washington ESD.

Last thing - keep all your documents organized. Pay stubs, termination letter, any correspondence from Washington ESD. You never know when you might need them.

Good luck with everything! Losing a job sucks but at least Washington has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states.