How to apply for unemployment account number with Washington ESD - confused about the process

You need to create your SecureAccess Washington account first at https://secureaccess.wa.gov/ - that's where you'll get your login credentials. Then you use those to access the Washington ESD unemployment system. The account number comes after you complete your initial claim application.

i think i messed this up when i applied last month. i created multiple accounts trying to figure it out and now i'm not sure which one is the right one lol

I had the same confusion! Here's what worked for me - I used Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD representative who walked me through the whole process. They explained that you create your SAW account, then file your initial claim, and THEN you get assigned your UI account number. The rep was super helpful and it only took like 15 minutes once I got connected. Check out claimyr.com if you're having trouble getting through to anyone.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS A NIGHTMARE!!! I've been trying to get my account set up for THREE WEEKS and keep getting different information from different people. First they told me I needed a PIN, then they said I needed an account number, now they're saying I need to verify my identity through ID.me. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!

Let me break this down step by step for anyone else who's confused: 1. Create SecureAccess Washington account at secureaccess.wa.gov 2. Complete ID.me identity verification if prompted 3. Access Washington ESD unemployment services through your SAW account 4. File your initial unemployment claim 5. Your UI account number gets assigned after your claim is processed The account number isn't something you apply for separately - it's automatically generated when you complete your initial claim.

wait so the account number and the claim number are different things? i thought they were the same

I'm having trouble with the ID.me verification part. It keeps saying my documents don't match or something. Has anyone else run into this issue?

Pro tip: write down your account number somewhere safe once you get it. I lost mine and had to call Washington ESD to get it again, which was a pain.

Just wanted to follow up - I used Claimyr again yesterday to get help with a different issue and the agent confirmed that the process I described earlier is correct. They really know their stuff about Washington ESD procedures.

Does anyone know if you can check your account number online once you have it? Or do you have to call every time you need it?

I remember when applying for unemployment was just filling out a paper form at the office. Now there's like 5 different websites and verification steps. Progress I guess?

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped explain this process. I finally got my account set up and filed my claim. The account number showed up in my profile after about 2 days.

Quick question - do you need your social security card for the application or is just knowing your SSN enough?

I tried using one of those services like Claimyr mentioned earlier and it was actually really helpful. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent in about 10 minutes and they answered all my questions about the account setup process. Way better than trying to navigate the phone system myself.

For anyone still confused, I found a helpful video walkthrough on YouTube that shows the whole process from start to finish. Search for 'Washington ESD unemployment application 2025' and you should find it.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready before you start the application. They ask for details about your last job including dates, wages, and reason for separation. Having it all organized makes the process much smoother.

One more thing - after you get your account number, make sure you understand when and how to file your weekly claims. That's a separate process from the initial application and you have to stay on top of it to keep getting benefits.

This thread has been super helpful. I was getting overwhelmed by all the different steps but now I feel like I have a clear path forward. Thanks everyone!

Just a heads up - the Washington ESD website sometimes goes down for maintenance on Sunday nights, so plan accordingly when you're trying to file your claims or access your account.

Does anyone know if there's a mobile app for managing your Washington ESD account, or do you have to use the website?