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

First thing - don't panic! The Washington ESD application process isn't too bad once you know what to expect. You'll need to file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. Make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months ready before you start.

Go to the Washington ESD website and look for 'File a New Claim' - it's pretty prominent on the homepage. You'll create an account first, then fill out the application. The whole process takes maybe 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

Just went through this myself last month. One tip - if you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way easier than sitting on hold for hours.

MAKE SURE you file in the first week after your last day of work! I waited too long thinking I'd find another job quickly and missed out on a week of benefits. The waiting week is built in but you still need to file right away.

Here's what the application will ask for: personal info, employment history for last 18 months, reason for job separation, bank info for direct deposit, and whether you want taxes withheld. Take your time and double-check everything before submitting.

ugh the washington esd website crashed on me like 3 times when i was trying to apply last year. so frustrating! just keep trying if it happens to you, usually works better later in the day

After you submit your application, you'll get a confirmation notice with your claim number. SAVE THIS! You'll need it for everything moving forward. Then you wait for Washington ESD to process your claim - usually takes 2-3 weeks.

Don't forget you'll need to file weekly claims even while your initial claim is being processed! I made that mistake and it delayed my benefits by another week.

The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week in Washington. Keep detailed records because they can audit you at any time. I use a spreadsheet with company names, contact info, dates, and what type of contact I made.

If you run into issues or your claim gets stuck in adjudication, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit. I used it when my claim was delayed for weeks and nobody would tell me why. Got through to an actual Washington ESD agent who explained the hold-up.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit during your application. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail. Also sign up for text/email notifications so you know when your weekly claim needs to be filed.

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, you might need to file in the state where you earned the most wages. Washington ESD can help determine where you should file if you're not sure.

honestly the whole process is pretty straightforward if you just follow the prompts on their website. i was dreading it but it wasn't nearly as bad as i expected. just gather your documents first and you'll be fine

After your claim is approved, you'll get a monetary determination letter showing your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks of benefits you're eligible for. Keep this letter safe - you'll need it if you ever have to appeal anything.

If your claim gets denied or you disagree with something, you have the right to appeal. Don't just accept it if you think they made a mistake. I successfully appealed a disqualification last year and got all my back benefits.

Last thing - once you start receiving benefits, you'll need to keep filing those weekly claims every week and continue your job search. It becomes routine but don't skip weeks or you won't get paid for those weeks.

Just remember that if you can't reach Washington ESD when you need help, services like Claimyr can be a lifesaver. I wish I'd known about it sooner when I was struggling to get through their phone lines.