How to apply for unemployment Washington ESD - first time filing

Everything is done online now through the Washington ESD website. You'll file your initial application at esd.wa.gov and then need to file weekly claims to keep getting benefits. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready.

Just went through this process last month. The online application took me about 30 minutes to complete. You'll also need your bank account info for direct deposit and addresses for all employers in the last 18 months. The waiting week means you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment.

One thing nobody mentions - if you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone to check your application status, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a real person. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Was a lifesaver when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible after your last day of work. Washington ESD benefits are calculated based on wages from your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. You can't backdate your claim to before you actually filed, so don't delay.

ugh the whole process is such a nightmare. took me 3 tries to get my application submitted because the site kept timing out. make sure you save your progress frequently

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington as part of the job search requirements. You can do this at worksourcewa.com. Most people have to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of everything.

Pro tip: take screenshots of every page when you're filling out the application. If something goes wrong you'll have proof of what information you entered. I learned this the hard way when I had to start over.

The weekly benefit amount in Washington is pretty decent compared to other states. Maximum is around $999 per week if you had high enough earnings. You'll find out your exact amount after they process your initial claim.

Make sure you understand the difference between your initial application and your weekly claims. The initial application determines if you're eligible and how much you'll get. Then you have to file a weekly claim every week to actually receive payments for that week.

been on unemployment three times in the past decade and the process keeps changing. at least now you don't have to mail anything in like the old days. everything is digital which makes it faster once you get past the initial application

If you get stuck during the application process, there's a chat feature on the Washington ESD website that sometimes works better than calling. Though honestly, getting through to anyone at Washington ESD can be a real challenge.

One thing that tripped me up was the work search log. You have to keep track of every job you apply for, including the company name, position, date applied, and method of application. Start keeping this log from day one even if you're not required to submit it right away.

Don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication status. This happens when they need to verify information with your employer or investigate some aspect of your separation from work. It can take several weeks but doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem.

WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS BROKEN! took them 6 weeks to process my claim and when I finally got through on the phone they told me I filled out one section wrong and had to start over!! Make sure you read every question twice

If you have direct deposit set up it makes everything smoother. Payments hit your account within 1-2 business days after you file your weekly claim (assuming no holds on your account).

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I always have them withhold 10% to avoid a big tax bill later.

just started my claim process yesterday too! we can figure this out together lol. the application definitely takes longer than you think it will so set aside like an hour to be safe

Another service option if you need help reaching Washington ESD - there's also Claimyr.com that a lot of people have mentioned works well for getting through to agents. I used them when I needed to check on my payment status and it saved me a ton of time compared to calling myself.

Last bit of advice - don't wait until Sunday night to file your weekly claims. The system gets overloaded and you might have trouble getting the site to load. I always file mine on Saturday afternoon.