How do you fill out Washington ESD unemployment application correctly?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation), and bank account info for direct deposit. Make sure you have exact dates - Washington ESD is picky about that stuff.

The hardest part is the reason for separation section. Be really specific about why you left each job. If you were laid off, say 'lack of work' not just 'laid off'. If you quit, you need a really good reason or they might deny your claim.

Pro tip - if you run into problems with the online system or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, don't bother calling the main number. You'll never get through. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing! i tried filling it out yesterday and got stuck on the work search requirements part. do i need to start looking for jobs immediately or can i wait until after i file?

Make sure you apply within the first week after losing your job if possible. There's a waiting week anyway, but don't delay the application process. I waited two weeks and wish I had started sooner.

The system is SO slow right now. Took me 45 minutes just to get through the application because it kept timing out. Save your progress frequently if the site gives you that option.

Double-check your banking information! I made a typo in my account number and it delayed my first payment by two weeks while they sorted it out. The direct deposit section is really important.

I'm so worried about screwing something up. What happens if you make a mistake on the application? Can you fix it later or are you stuck with what you submitted?

Don't forget about the military service question if it applies to you. They ask about any military service in the last 18 months because that can affect your claim.

The Washington ESD application asks for a lot of personal info. Make sure you're on the official .gov website and not some scam site. There are fake unemployment sites out there trying to steal your information.

does anyone know if you can save the application partway through and come back to it later? i don't have all my employment info with me right now

Been through this process twice unfortunately. The key is being super accurate with dates and dollar amounts. If Washington ESD has to verify anything with your employers, it slows everything down.

If you get stuck or need to ask questions about your application, seriously try Claimyr to get through to ESD. I wasted so much time trying to call the regular numbers before someone told me about it.

Make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and other programs. The standard UI application is what most people need, but there are other programs if you're self-employed or have special circumstances.

Whatever you do, don't wait until Sunday night to file your weekly claims once you're approved. The system crashes constantly on Sunday evenings because everyone waits until the last minute.

The application asks about your availability to work. Make sure you answer that you're available for full-time work unless you have a really good reason to request part-time only.

don't forget to keep copies of everything! screenshot the confirmation page after you submit and save any reference numbers they give you

One last tip - after you submit your application, you should get a determination letter in the mail within a week or two. Don't panic if it takes a while, but definitely contact ESD if you don't hear anything after 3 weeks.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier is actually really helpful for getting updates. The regular ESD phone lines are useless but they got me through to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim.

Just remember that even if you fill everything out perfectly, there might still be delays. The system is overwhelmed and understaffed. Be patient but persistent if you need to follow up on anything.