How to apply for unemployment account number with Washington ESD

Thanks! So I just go straight to filing the claim and they handle the account setup automatically?

Exactly. The system creates your profile when you submit your first claim. Make sure you have all your employment history ready though.

You're right about needing SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to access eServices. That's the login portal for Washington ESD. Create your SAW account first, then you can file your UI claim through eServices.

Ok so I need SAW account -> then file through eServices -> then I get my account number assigned?

Correct! SAW is just the login system. Your actual unemployment account gets created when you file your initial claim.

45 minutes?? It took me like 2 hours because I kept getting kicked out of the system and had to start over

Yeah, the system can be glitchy during peak times. I filed early morning on a Tuesday which probably helped.

Good to know! Did you have trouble getting through to someone when you called?

Actually yeah, spent hours trying to reach someone. Ended up using this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that service before, does it actually work for Washington ESD calls?

Yeah it worked for me. They handle the calling and wait times, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me tons of frustration.

So when I need to reference my claim later, I just use my SSN?

Right, your SSN is your identifier for everything - filing weekly claims, checking status, talking to agents, etc.

You're thinking of your claim effective date and benefit year information. Those are on your monetary determination letter, but your SSN is still your main account identifier.

Ah ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

Good point! I was laid off last Friday so I should probably file today or tomorrow.

Yes definitely file ASAP. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts.

What if I can't remember the exact address of a previous employer from like 2 years ago?

You can look it up online or call the company. Washington ESD needs to verify your employment history so accuracy helps avoid delays.

Or check your old tax documents if you still have them, the W-2s will have the employer addresses

Thanks everyone! Sounds like I just need to create SAW account and then file directly through eServices.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit my initial application?

You'll get instructions after your initial claim is processed. Usually you can start filing weekly claims for the week after you filed your initial claim.

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

It depends on your situation but generally 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, interviews, etc.

That happened to me too. I tried calling for weeks and couldn't get through. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got connected to an agent who explained the delay. Turns out they needed additional documentation from my employer.

Really? That service actually helped you get through to Washington ESD? I might have to try that.

Yeah, saved me hours of calling. You just give them your info and they handle getting you connected to an actual person.

That's encouraging! Sounds like as long as I'm prepared it should be pretty straightforward.

You can file for partial unemployment if your hours were reduced. Washington allows you to work part-time and still collect some benefits as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Good to know, thanks! My hours got cut from 40 to 20 per week so I wasn't sure if I qualified.

Sorry you had such a rough experience. Most people don't have issues that severe though. My claim was processed normally.

Maybe I just got unlucky but the communication was terrible. No one could tell me what was wrong or when it would be fixed.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to help people actually reach someone who can give real answers instead of just waiting in the dark.

Perfect summary, thank you! I feel much more confident about the process now.