How do you receive unemployment benefits in Washington state?

First step is filing your initial claim on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. The process is mostly online now through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). After you file, you'll need to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.

the whole process is pretty straightforward once you get started. just make sure you have all your employer info ready - company names, addresses, dates of employment, and why you left each job. restaurant work can be tricky if you had multiple employers

After you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will send you information about your weekly benefit amount and instructions for filing weekly claims. You have to file every week to keep getting paid, even weeks when you don't receive money. The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week, so keep track of where you apply.

One thing to watch out for - if there's any issue with your claim, it might go into adjudication which can delay payments for weeks. Common issues are things like quit vs layoff disputes or if you worked part-time while filing. If you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone to check on issues, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD for THREE WEEKS and the phone just hangs up on me every time. How are we supposed to get help when they won't even answer the phone??

For the original poster - here's the step by step process: 1) File initial claim online through SAW, 2) Wait for determination letter with your benefit amount, 3) File weekly claims every week, 4) Complete job search activities and keep records, 5) Report any work or income on weekly claims. Most people start receiving payments 2-3 weeks after filing if there are no issues.

just wanted to add that you should set up direct deposit right away. getting paper checks takes forever and they get lost in the mail sometimes. also make sure your address is correct in the system

One more thing - if your claim gets denied or you disagree with a decision, you can appeal within 30 days. Don't just give up if something seems wrong. The appeals process exists for a reason and lots of initial denials get overturned.

I actually used Claimyr a few months ago when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Honestly wasn't sure if it would work but they got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. Way better than spending hours calling myself. The agent was able to explain exactly what was holding up my claim.

make sure you keep copies of everything - your initial application, weekly claims, job search records, any correspondence from washington esd. if there are ever issues you'll need those documents

The job search requirement is no joke - they do audit people and if you can't prove you did your 3 contacts per week, they'll make you pay back benefits. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and how you contacted them.

Does anyone know if you can collect unemployment if you were working as an independent contractor? I did some gig work before my restaurant job and I'm not sure if that affects anything.

timing is important too - there's a specific base period they use to calculate your benefits. it's usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. so if you just started working recently you might not have enough wages to qualify

Just want to echo what others said about Claimyr - I was skeptical at first but when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for over a week, I tried their service. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone who could help with my claim status.

also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might want to have taxes withheld or set money aside for tax time. you can request withholding when you file your weekly claims

The restaurant industry can be tricky for unemployment because of tip reporting and varying hours. Make sure Washington ESD has accurate information about your total earnings including tips if you reported them on your taxes.

Don't forget about the waiting week - even if your claim is approved right away, there's usually a one-week waiting period before you start receiving payments. Plan your finances accordingly.

been through this process twice and the key is just staying on top of everything. file your weekly claims on time, do your job searches, report any income honestly. if you follow the rules it usually works out fine

Last tip - if you have any issues or questions that can't wait for the phone lines, sometimes the local WorkSource offices can help with basic unemployment questions. Not everything, but they might be able to point you in the right direction.