How to apply for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - need step by step help

Do I need to have all my old pay stubs? I might have thrown some away thinking I wouldn't need them.

You don't need the actual pay stubs, but you'll need to know your employer names, addresses, and approximate dates of employment. Washington ESD will verify your wages through their system.

How do I prove the job search contacts? Do I need to save emails or something?

Yeah, keep records of everything - company names, contact info, dates, how you applied. I use a simple spreadsheet but Washington ESD has a job search log template you can download.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call for you and connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get hung up on. Check out claimyr.com if you're curious.

This might be helpful later if I run into problems. Right now I just need to get my initial application filed.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be fine right? They gave me a letter explaining it was due to budget cuts.

That sounds like a clear case of lack of work, so you should be fine. Keep that letter though - might need it if they ask for documentation.

Is that separate from the unemployment application or part of the same process?

It's separate but required. You'll get instructions about it after you file your initial claim. They'll give you a deadline to complete the WorkSource registration.

I feel you on the phone situation. It's brutal trying to reach anyone there.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - cuts through all that phone line frustration. Life's too short to spend it on hold with Washington ESD.

You can choose either direct deposit or a debit card they send you. Direct deposit is faster - usually 1-2 business days after you file your weekly claim.

Thanks! Direct deposit sounds way better than waiting for mail.

What should I put for a layoff? There were multiple options and I wasn't sure which one applied.

For a layoff due to downsizing, you'd typically select 'lack of work' or 'reduction in force' depending on how they word the options. Read each one carefully.

If everything goes smoothly, you should get your first payment within 2-3 weeks of filing. But remember there's a waiting week, so you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment.

That's cutting it close but hopefully it works out. Thanks for the info.

Good point. I'll gather all that info before I begin. Do I need anything besides employer details?

Your Social Security number, bank account info for direct deposit, and your driver's license or state ID number. That should cover the basics.

You need to report any work when you file your weekly claims. If you work part-time, they'll reduce your benefits accordingly. If you get a full-time job, you just stop filing claims.

That makes sense. I was worried I'd have to pay everything back if I found work quickly.

Main things that disqualify you are quitting without good cause, getting fired for misconduct, or not being able and available for work. Since you were laid off, you should be fine.

Okay good, I was laid off so that shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for easing my mind.

When do you file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day or time?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I usually do it Sunday morning to get it out of the way. Just don't wait too long or you might miss the deadline.

I'll keep that in mind if I need help. Hopefully everything goes smoothly with my application.

Yeah, hopefully you won't need it, but it's good to know it exists. Way less stressful than trying to call Washington ESD directly.

How often should I check? Daily seems excessive but I don't want to miss anything important.

I check a couple times a week, usually after filing my weekly claim and maybe once mid-week. That's probably sufficient unless you're expecting something specific.

Thanks for the encouragement. I think I'm ready to start the application now that I understand the process better.

You've got this! The hardest part is just getting started. Once you're in the system, the weekly claims become routine.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much more confident about applying now.

Happy to help! Feel free to ask if you run into any questions during the process.