How does filing unemployment work in Washington ESD - complete beginner here

You can file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as you're unemployed. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation), and your bank account info if you want direct deposit. The system will walk you through each step.

After you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work. This is super important - if you miss filing a weekly claim, you won't get paid for that week.

One thing that really helped me when I was navigating this was using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. The phone lines are always busy and it's nearly impossible to get through on your own. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration.

The job search requirement is 3 job search activities per week. Keep detailed records because they can audit you. Activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking classes that improve your job skills.

Your claim might go into adjudication, which means they need to verify information before approving it. This is normal but can take several weeks. Common reasons include voluntary quit, misconduct, or if there's a question about your work history.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment and that was AFTER calling every single day. good luck getting through to anyone

Make sure you have all your employment information ready before you start filing. The system will ask for employer names, addresses, phone numbers, your start and end dates, and your gross wages. Having this organized beforehand makes the process much smoother.

The waiting week has been eliminated in Washington, so you can potentially get paid for your first week if you're eligible. This is different from some other states where you have to wait a week before benefits start.

Don't forget about taxes! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your payments or pay them when you file your tax return.

If you're laid off, make sure your employer provides the correct separation reason. 'Lack of work' or 'layoff' are different from 'quit' or 'fired for cause' and will affect your eligibility.

been there done that. honestly the hardest part is just getting someone on the phone when you have questions. spent literally hours on hold

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Instead of spending hours trying to get through, they handle the calling for you. I used it twice and both times got connected to an actual person who could help with my specific situation.

Your benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently $999 per week, but most people get less depending on their work history.

Keep track of your job search activities in a spreadsheet or notebook. Include the date, company name, position applied for, and how you applied. This makes filing your weekly claims much easier.

If you have any part-time work while collecting unemployment, you need to report it on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount but you can still collect something as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

whatever you do dont miss filing your weekly claims. even if your claim is stuck in adjudication you still have to file every week or you lose those weeks forever

The WorkSourceWA registration requirement is usually automatic when you file your claim, but double-check that you're registered. You'll need to create a profile and upload your resume.

One last thing - if you run into any issues with your claim, don't wait weeks trying to figure it out yourself. I wasted so much time before I found Claimyr. Having an actual conversation with someone at ESD made all the difference in getting my issues resolved quickly.

Remember that you can appeal any decision you disagree with. You have 30 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal. Don't let that deadline pass if you think there's been a mistake.

honestly just be patient with the whole process. its going to be more complicated and take longer than you expect but you'll get through it