How do you file unemployment online - Washington ESD website confusing me

First thing you need is a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't already have one. Go to secureaccess.wa.gov and create that first. Then you can access the Washington ESD eServices portal to actually file your initial claim. Make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history ready before you start.

The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. After creating your SAW account, log into eServices and look for 'Apply for Benefits.' The system will walk you through each step. Just be honest about everything and don't rush through it.

I was in the same boat last month trying to figure out how to file unemployment online. The Washington ESD website is definitely not user-friendly. What really helped me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at ESD who could walk me through it over the phone. Way easier than trying to navigate that mess of a website on my own. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Here's the exact step-by-step process: 1) Create SAW account at secureaccess.wa.gov 2) Log into eServices portal 3) Click 'Apply for Benefits' 4) Complete the Initial Application 5) Submit and wait for your determination letter. Make sure you apply during the first week you're unemployed - you can't backdate claims in Washington.

ugh the washington esd website is THE WORST. i tried filing online three times before i finally got it to work. kept getting error messages and then it would log me out.

Pro tip: file your application early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic on the ESD website. The system gets overloaded during business hours and you're more likely to get error messages or timeouts.

Make sure you have EVERYTHING ready before you start. I had to stop halfway through because I didn't have one of my previous employer's addresses and when I logged back in I had to start over from the beginning. So frustrating.

After you submit your initial application online, you'll get a determination letter in about a week telling you if you're approved and how much your weekly benefit will be. Then you have to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Don't forget that part!

I tried Claimyr after reading about it here and honestly it was a lifesaver. Instead of spending hours trying to navigate the website or call ESD, I just used their service and got connected to an ESD agent who helped me file everything correctly over the phone. Saved me so much time and stress.

Don't forget you need to register with WorkSource too for the job search requirements. They'll tell you about this after you file but you might as well get it done early.

Just be patient with the whole process. I know it's stressful when you just lost your job but the system works, it's just slow and clunky. File online if you can, but don't be afraid to call if you get stuck.

One thing nobody mentions - if you worked in multiple states, filing can get complicated. Washington has agreements with some states but not others. Just something to keep in mind if that applies to you.

The waiting period after you file is the worst part. Even though Washington doesn't have a waiting week anymore, it still takes time to process everything and get your first payment.

I wish someone had told me to screenshot every page when I filed. When I had questions later, ESD kept asking me what I put on my application and I couldn't remember everything.

If you're worried about messing up the online application, another option is to use Claimyr to get connected to ESD and have them help you file over the phone. That way you know it's done right the first time. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

Make sure your browser is updated and you're not using Internet Explorer. The ESD website doesn't work well with older browsers.

The most important thing is to be completely honest about why you lost your job. If you lie or leave things out, it will come back to bite you later when they verify everything with your employer.

After you file your initial claim, you'll get a handbook in the mail that explains everything about weekly claims, job search requirements, and reporting. Read through it - it's actually pretty helpful.

If you run into any issues with your claim after filing, don't wait around hoping it will fix itself. Call ESD or use one of those callback services like Claimyr to get help quickly. Problems usually get worse if you ignore them.