How to apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD - confused about the process

You should apply as soon as possible since there's a waiting week. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked.

You'll want to apply online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't have one - that's the login system they use. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months ready. Don't wait too long to apply since benefits are backdated to when you file, not when you lost your job.

honestly the online application is pretty straightforward once you get started. took me like 20-30 minutes. hardest part was remembering all my previous employers contact info

The online application usually takes about 30-45 minutes. Make sure you have accurate dates and wages for all jobs in the past year and a half. If you worked for multiple employers, you'll need info for all of them.

One thing to be aware of - if you have any issues with your application or it gets stuck in adjudication, calling Washington ESD can be a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to get through on the phone lines. If you run into problems, there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration when my claim got held up.

Don't stress too much about the application process. The hardest part is actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD if you have questions. I spent hours on hold trying to reach them when I had issues with my claim. Recently discovered this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you get through to ESD agents faster. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Make sure you apply for the right week. Your claim starts the Sunday of the week you apply, not the day you were actually laid off. So if you were laid off Friday like you said, applying this week means your claim starts this past Sunday.

The Washington ESD system will ask about your reason for separation. Since you were laid off, that should be straightforward. Just be honest about the circumstances - no fault of your own, reduction in force, etc.

ugh the washington esd website is such a pain... took me like 3 tries to get through the application without it timing out

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start collecting benefits. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log. They can audit you at any time and if you don't have proper documentation, they'll make you pay back benefits. Also register with WorkSourceWA immediately after filing - it's required.

After you submit your application, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually receive benefits. Don't forget about that part! The first week is usually a waiting week with no payment.

just applied last month after my restaurant closed permanently. the application itself was fine but then my claim went into adjudication and I haven't heard anything for 3 weeks. apparently they need to verify my reason for separation even though it was obviously not my fault. so frustrating

Important tip: apply on Sunday evenings or very early Monday mornings if possible. The system is less busy and you're more likely to get through without technical issues. Also screenshot everything as you go through the application process.

Don't forget you can't collect benefits for the first week (waiting week) and you have to file weekly claims every week to keep getting paid. Missing even one weekly claim filing can mess up your whole claim.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource too. It's required as part of the job search requirements. They'll probably tell you about this after your claim is approved.

been collecting UI for 2 months now and the process is pretty routine once you get started. biggest thing is being honest about everything. they cross-check with employers and other agencies so don't try to hide anything

I'm in the same boat - got laid off two weeks ago and still waiting for my claim to be approved. The adjudication process is taking forever. At least you're getting started sooner than I did.

The Washington ESD website has a pretty good tutorial that walks through the application step by step. I'd recommend going through that first before you actually apply. Also make sure you apply in the right week - there are specific rules about when your claim can start.

That's exactly the situation where Claimyr helped me. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through to ask about my claim status. Used their service and finally got connected to an ESD agent who explained what was holding up my claim.

Make sure you have your bank account info ready for direct deposit. Getting a debit card takes longer and has fees.

ugh the whole system is such a mess. took them 6 weeks to process my claim and then they said I was overpaid and wanted money back. still fighting it. good luck dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare

Make sure your direct deposit info is correct when you apply. If there are any issues with payments, it's much harder to fix later. Also keep copies of everything you submit.

Pro tip: if you worked in multiple states recently, you might be able to file in the state where you earned the most wages. Washington has agreements with other states for this. Could potentially get you higher benefits.

just want to add that you should apply even if you're not sure you qualify. let washington esd make that determination. I thought I wouldn't qualify because of my specific situation but ended up getting approved

One more thing - if you get any kind of severance pay or vacation payout, make sure to report it correctly. Those can affect when your benefits start. The application will ask about all this stuff.

The whole process stressed me out way more than it needed to. Once I actually sat down and did it, it was pretty manageable. Just take your time and read everything carefully.

If you run into any technical issues with the website during application, try a different browser or clear your cache. The Washington ESD site can be finicky sometimes.

Last thing - once you file your claim, you should get a determination letter in the mail within a week or two. That will tell you if you're approved and how much your weekly benefit will be. Don't panic if it takes a little while to arrive.

The system crashed on me right as I was finishing my application last month... had to start over completely. Save your progress if there's an option!

Once you get your claim approved, make sure you understand the work search requirements. You'll need to document your job search activities each week when you file your weekly claim.

been unemployed for 6 months now... the system is broken and they don't care about people like us

Don't let the negative experiences scare you. Most claims go through fine if you provide accurate information and follow the requirements. The system works, it's just slow and bureaucratic.

Quick tip - if the website is being slow or glitchy, try using a different browser. Sometimes that helps with the ESD site.

After you submit your application, you should get a confirmation number. Write that down! You might need it if you have to call about your claim later.

One more thing - if you have any questions during the application process, there's usually help text or FAQ links on each page. Don't skip reading those if you're unsure about something.

Used to work at a temp agency and helped people with unemployment applications all the time. The key is being thorough and accurate with employment history. Don't guess on dates or wages - look them up if you're not sure.

Good luck with your application! It might seem overwhelming at first but you'll get through it. Most people's claims get approved without major issues if they're eligible and provide good information.