How to apply for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - step by step guide needed

Thanks! Do I need pay stubs too or just the employment dates and employer info?

Pay stubs help but aren't required if you have the employment dates and gross wages. Washington ESD will verify your wages through their system.

What if I was laid off due to company downsizing? Do I need anything special from my employer?

Layoffs are usually straightforward. If you have a layoff notice or WARN act notification, include that. Otherwise just put 'lack of work' or 'company downsizing' as your separation reason.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke waiting for my benefits to start.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not sitting on hold for hours. Plus if there's an issue with your claim, getting it resolved faster means getting paid sooner.

Interesting, never heard of this before. Might be worth trying if the regular phone lines keep failing me.

What happens if I forget to file a weekly claim?

You can usually file for up to 4 weeks of missed claims, but it's a hassle and can delay your payments. Set a reminder for the same day each week.

6 weeks?? That's terrifying. Did they say why it took so long?

something about adjudication and verifying my employment. they never really explained it clearly

How do I know if my claim goes into adjudication?

You'll see it in your eServices account under claim status. It will say 'Adjudication in Progress' or something similar. You might also get a letter asking for more information.

My claim was in adjudication for 3 weeks last year. Turned out my former employer disputed my claim but Washington ESD sided with me in the end.

Is WorkSource a separate website from the Washington ESD site?

Yes, it's worksourcewa.com. You'll need to register there and complete your reemployment plan within a certain timeframe after filing your claim.

Good advice! Did you have any other technical issues with the website?

The site can be slow during peak hours. Try applying early morning or late evening for better performance.

What kind of things do they check for fraud?

Employment history, wages, reason for separation, work search activities, any unreported income. They have access to state wage databases and can see if you're working while claiming benefits.

Did they actually get you to a real Washington ESD person or just give you information?

Real Washington ESD agent. That's the whole point - they use some system to get you connected without the usual hold times.

3 days is normal. You should get an initial determination letter within 7-10 business days. Check your eServices account regularly for updates.

Okay thanks, I was starting to worry something went wrong with my application.

So even if I'm approved, I won't get money for the first week?

Correct. The first week serves as a waiting period. You still need to file your weekly claim though.

Can you update your address after you submit the application?

Yes, you can update it in your eServices account. Just make sure to do it as soon as possible if you need to change it.

Do online applications count as job contacts?

Yes, online applications count. Just make sure to keep records of the company name, position, date applied, and method of contact.

I use a spreadsheet to track all my job search activities. Makes it easy to report when filing weekly claims.

What if I can't remember exact dates for a job from over a year ago?

Do your best to estimate. Washington ESD has wage records and will use those for the official calculation. Just don't leave gaps in your employment history.

What documents are they asking for? Usually it's driver's license, Social Security card, and sometimes birth certificate or passport.

They want a copy of my birth certificate but I'd have to order one from another state. Is there an alternative?

Try calling Washington ESD to see if they'll accept alternative documents like a passport or other forms of ID. The Claimyr service mentioned earlier might help you get through to ask about alternatives.

That's great to hear! I'm saving this thread in case I run into issues with my application.

How long did it take to get connected through their service?

Maybe 20 minutes total including the callback. Way better than the 3+ hours I was spending on hold before getting disconnected.

How much do they typically withhold for taxes?

10% for federal taxes. Washington doesn't have state income tax. You can change your withholding election in your eServices account.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting the application process now.

You're welcome! Feel free to come back and ask if you run into any specific issues during the process.

What are the most common reasons for getting denied?

Usually it's related to the reason you left your job - if Washington ESD thinks you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct. But these determinations can often be successfully appealed with the right documentation.