How does filing for unemployment work in Washington state - complete beginner here

First thing - don't panic! You should file as soon as possible after losing your job. Go to esd.wa.gov and create an account. You'll need your SSN, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The application takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.

After you file your initial claim, there's typically a one-week waiting period before benefits start. You'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting paid - this is super important! Each Sunday you report if you worked, looked for work, and if you were able and available for work that week.

One thing nobody mentions is how hard it can be to reach Washington ESD by phone if you have questions. I spent weeks trying to get through last year when my claim got stuck. Recently discovered claimyr.com which actually helped me connect with an agent - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements! In Washington you need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You can do this through WorkSource or on your own, but you MUST document everything.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. i filed 3 weeks ago and my claim is still pending adjudication with no explanation. cant get anyone on the phone to tell me whats wrong

Pro tip: set up direct deposit right away in your account. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail. I learned this the hard way.

Also be prepared for your claim to possibly go into adjudication if there's anything unusual about your job separation. This can add weeks to the process while they investigate.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application or weekly claims. Washington ESD will eventually catch it and you'll have to pay everything back plus penalties. I've seen it happen to people.

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or you'll owe when you file your tax return next year.

The Washington ESD website can be confusing at first but once you get the hang of it, filing weekly claims only takes a few minutes. Just make sure you file every week even if you're not sure about something.

been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and honestly the hardest part is just getting someone at washington esd on the phone when you have questions. the automated system is useless for anything complicated

One more thing - keep all your documentation! Save emails from Washington ESD, keep your job search log updated, and screenshot important pages in your account. You never know when you might need proof of something.

The process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started. Just take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.