How to apply for unemployment - Washington ESD application process help needed

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or will they verify my wages some other way?

Washington ESD gets your wage information directly from employers, so you don't need to provide pay stubs during the initial application. Just make sure your employment dates and employer info are accurate.

Thanks! Do I need exact dates or will approximate months work for the employment history?

Try to be as exact as possible with dates. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers, so accuracy helps avoid delays in processing.

Thanks! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic employer info?

Just the basic info is fine for the application. Washington ESD will contact your employers directly to verify everything. Keep your pay stubs handy though in case they ask for them later during adjudication.

What's WorkSourceWA? Is that separate from the unemployment application?

It's Washington's job search website. You're required to register there and do job search activities to keep getting benefits. The unemployment application will tell you when to do it.

Wait, I have to file weekly claims before I'm even approved? That seems weird.

Yeah it's confusing but that's how it works. You're basically claiming the weeks while your application is being processed. If you're approved, you'll get paid for all those weeks you claimed.

This is correct. I made the mistake of not filing weekly claims while waiting for approval and lost 3 weeks of benefits that I could never get back.

Never heard of this service. How does it work exactly?

It's basically a callback service that handles the calling for you. You tell them what you need help with and they get you connected to the right Washington ESD department. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Sounds too good to be true but I might try it if I can't get through the normal way.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit or just another scam?

It's legit - they just help you get through the busy phone lines. I was skeptical too but it actually worked when I couldn't reach anyone for weeks.

Good to know there's a backup option if I can't get through normally. Hopefully I won't need it though.

Good to know about the timing. What counts as peak times?

Usually Sunday evenings and Monday mornings when everyone's filing their weekly claims. Try to apply during weekday afternoons if possible.

Oh no, I didn't realize it couldn't be backdated! I'm definitely going to file today then.

This is so important - I see people make this mistake all the time and then wonder why their benefits are delayed.

6 weeks?? I can't wait that long, I have rent due in two weeks.

Most applications don't take 6 weeks. That's usually only if there's an issue that needs adjudication, like if your employer contests the claim or there's confusion about why you left.

How does that work exactly? Do they call for you?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Really saved me a lot of frustration when I needed to resolve an issue with my weekly claims.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Better than wasting entire days trying to get through myself.

That's concerning... what caused the 6 week delay?

they said there was an issue with my job separation reason and it went into adjudication. never got a clear explanation of what the problem was

This is super helpful, thank you! How long does it usually take to get the determination letter?

Usually 7-10 business days if there are no issues with your claim. If it goes to adjudication for any reason, it can take several weeks longer.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week, but they don't all have to be applications. Can include networking, job fairs, interviews, etc.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying for jobs or do I need to do something else?

Job applications count, but you can also include networking contacts, job fairs, career counseling sessions, and informational interviews. Keep detailed records because they do audit these.

I got audited last year and had to provide proof of all my job search activities. Make sure you're documenting everything properly from day one.

What if I was technically laid off but my boss made it sound like I could quit instead? Which should I put?

If you were given the choice but it was really because there wasn't enough work, put 'lack of work' and explain the situation in the comments. Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination.

What exactly is adjudication? I keep seeing this term but don't understand what it means.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before they can approve it. Could be because your employer provided conflicting information, or there's a question about your eligibility, or you have a complex employment situation.

How do I know if my claim is in adjudication?

You'll see 'Adjudication in Progress' in your online account, and you might get a letter asking for additional information.

It was definitely a layoff due to company downsizing, so that should be straightforward.

Perfect, that's the clearest case for approval. Just make sure your employer reports it the same way.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

Worth checking their site for current pricing but honestly if it saves you days of frustration trying to get through, it pays for itself. Plus you can't afford to have delays in your claim.

What's the secure access thing?

SecureAccess Washington (SAW) is the login system for most Washington state services including unemployment. You'll create an account there to access your unemployment claim.

What if I do some freelance work occasionally?

Report all income, even freelance. They'll reduce your benefit amount for that week but it's better than getting hit with an overpayment notice later.

This is so important! I got an overpayment notice for $2,800 because I didn't report some cash work I did. Now I'm in appeals.

My employer said this might be temporary but they're not sure. Should I mention that in my application?

Yes, definitely mention if there's a possibility of recall. Washington ESD will determine if you qualify for standby status based on your specific situation.

Oh no, what does adjudication mean? That sounds scary.

Adjudication means they're reviewing your claim for some reason - could be employment verification, eligibility questions, or other issues. Most resolve within a few weeks but some take longer.

This is exactly when Claimyr helped me. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't reach anyone to find out why. They got me through to someone who explained the hold and helped resolve it.

Should I print out the confirmation page?

Yes, and take a screenshot too. Save everything related to your claim in case you need it later.

Great advice! I wouldn't have thought of that.

Yes! And save your confirmation number somewhere safe. You'll need it if you have to call Washington ESD about your claim.

Do I start filing weekly claims right away or wait for the determination letter?

You should start filing weekly claims right away even if you haven't received your determination yet. You can't be paid for weeks you don't claim.

So I lose a whole week of benefits no matter what?

Correct. The first week is unpaid. You still need to file the weekly claim for that week, but you won't receive payment for it.

Good tip! How long does direct deposit usually take to start working?

Usually 1-2 business days once your first payment is processed. Much faster than waiting for checks.

Should I print everything out or are digital copies okay?

Digital copies are fine as long as you can access them easily. I keep a folder on my computer with all my unemployment documents organized by date.

Wait, so I won't get paid for my first week even if I'm approved?

Correct. The waiting week is unpaid, but you still need to file a claim for that week to establish your claim.

This confused me too when I first applied. You file for the waiting week but don't get paid for it.

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

Do your best to estimate. Washington ESD will verify with the employers anyway. But having the basic info helps speed up the process.

I have to pick up my kids from school at 3 PM. Does that affect my eligibility?

As long as you're available for work that fits your schedule and you're actively looking for jobs that work with your availability, you should be fine. Lots of parents receive unemployment benefits.

What if my employer might say I was fired but I think it was a layoff?

Be honest about your version of events. If there's a dispute, Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. You can appeal if you disagree with their decision.

847 times?! That's insane.

I kept a tally on my desk. It was soul-crushing. The automated system just hangs up on you when they're busy.

I used Claimyr last month and it was worth every penny. Got through to someone in 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own.

Good point. Should I use my cell phone or is a landline better?

Cell phone is fine, just make sure it's a number you actually answer during business hours.

Can I change the tax withholding later?

Yes, you can update your tax withholding settings in your online account anytime.

Any other tips for someone going through this for the first time?

keep detailed records of everything, don't skip your weekly claims even if you're frustrated, and remember that most issues eventually get resolved even if it takes time

How long after submitting should I expect to hear something back?

You should get a letter within a week with your weekly claim filing day and instructions. Your first payment decision usually comes 2-3 weeks after that if there are no issues.

I've only had one job for the past three years, so hopefully that makes it simpler.

That should definitely make the process smoother for you!

Thanks everyone! This is super helpful. Going to start my application right now.

Good luck! Feel free to come back here if you run into any issues during the process.

And remember, if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Sometimes you just need to speak with a human to get things sorted out.

And if I can't get through on the phone, that's when that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier might help?

Yeah, I've heard good things about services like that for getting through Washington ESD's busy phone lines.

I'll definitely check that out first. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Good luck! Feel free to ask if you run into any specific issues during the application process.

How do I know when to start filing weekly claims?

You'll get instructions in your determination letter. Usually you can start filing weekly claims the week after you apply, even if your claim isn't approved yet.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's definitely stressful not knowing when income will start again.

That makes sense. I'll probably review everything twice before hitting submit.

Smart approach. Take your time with the application - accuracy is more important than speed.

Good to know there are options if I get stuck. Hopefully the application process goes smoothly though.

Excellent advice. I'll start a folder for all unemployment-related documents right now.

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

You've got this! Just remember to file today and keep us posted if you run into any issues.

Thanks! I'm going to start the application right after I finish reading all these helpful comments.