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

Don't panic, the process isn't as complicated as it looks. First thing - apply as soon as possible, don't wait. You can apply online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington account first if you don't have one. Have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation.

You can apply online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment. The application process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

Make sure you file in the first week after your last day of work. The waiting week has been eliminated in Washington so you can get paid for your first week if you're eligible. Also be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll need to make 3 job contacts per week once your claim is approved.

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible if you need to talk to someone. I spent weeks trying to get through when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! Your benefit year starts the week you file your initial claim, not when you actually lost your job. I waited two weeks thinking I'd find something quick and ended up losing out on those benefits.

Just a heads up - after you submit your application, you might have trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone if you have questions. Their phone lines are constantly busy. I spent weeks trying to get through when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to ESD agents without the endless busy signals. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

ugh the whole system is such a mess, took me 6 weeks to get my first payment last year because they kept asking for more verification documents

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one 3) Complete the online application with all your employment history 4) Submit and wait for your monetary determination 5) Start filing weekly claims the Sunday after you apply, even if your claim is still pending. You must file every week to maintain eligibility.

The most important thing is to be completely honest on your application. If you quit vs. were laid off vs. were fired, make sure you select the right option. Lying or making mistakes can disqualify your entire claim and you might have to pay back benefits. Also double-check all your personal information because errors can cause major delays.

Pro tip: screenshot everything during the application process and save confirmation numbers. The system glitches sometimes and you'll want proof of what you submitted and when.

ugh the whole process is so confusing. I applied last month and my claim is STILL in adjudication. Washington ESD hasn't told me why and I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening. This is ridiculous when people need these benefits to survive.

Don't forget you have to do job search activities too! In Washington you need to complete 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. You can do this through WorkSource or on your own but you have to document everything.

One thing that tripped me up - make sure you answer the weekly claim questions correctly. They ask if you worked, if you looked for work, if you were able and available. Answer wrong and your payment gets held up.

After you apply you'll get a determination letter in about 1-2 weeks telling you if you're approved and what your weekly benefit amount will be. Then you have to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid, even if you haven't received your determination yet.

If your claim goes into adjudication don't freak out. It just means they need to review something about your case. Could be routine or could be because your employer contested the claim. Either way it can take several weeks to resolve.

Just applied last week and the process was actually pretty straightforward online. Took me about 40 minutes because I had to dig up old employer info. The hardest part was remembering exact dates for jobs from 2 years ago.

I second the recommendation about Claimyr if you run into problems. My sister used them when her benefits got stopped for some random verification issue. She'd been calling Washington ESD for weeks with no luck, but Claimyr got her through to someone who fixed it immediately.

Pro tip: screenshot everything! Your confirmation number, your weekly claim submissions, any correspondence. I learned this the hard way when Washington ESD claimed I never filed a week and I had no proof.

Don't forget you might be eligible for other benefits too like food assistance or Medicaid while you're unemployed. Worth looking into if money's tight.

If you get disqualified for any reason, don't panic! You can appeal the decision. I got disqualified initially because of a misunderstanding about why I left my last job, but the appeal hearing cleared it up and I got all my back benefits.

Also be prepared for identity verification if you haven't used Washington ESD services before. They might ask for additional documents like utility bills or bank statements to prove you are who you say you are. It's part of their fraud prevention.

The WorkSourceWA website integration is actually pretty helpful once you get used to it. You can track your job search activities there and it connects to your unemployment claim automatically.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' for work vs. being on standby status. Most people are able and available, but if you're expecting to be called back to your job within a specific timeframe you might qualify for standby.

i applied last month and still waiting for my determination letter, this whole process takes forever

One thing nobody mentions is that your unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later, but don't forget about it come tax time.

The mobile app for filing weekly claims actually works pretty well if you prefer doing it on your phone instead of the computer.

I'm going through this right now too. Filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't gotten my first payment. My claim shows active but the payments just say 'pending.' Called Washington ESD probably 200 times and can never get through. It's incredibly frustrating.

Make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and other programs. Some people think they need to apply for standby or workshare but those are special situations. Most people who get laid off or fired (without misconduct) qualify for regular UI benefits.

One more thing - if you have a 401k or pension from your job, don't worry. That doesn't affect your unemployment benefits. I was stressed about this when I applied but Washington ESD confirmed retirement funds don't count as income for UI purposes.

The whole system is a mess honestly. Been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about an issue with my weekly claim and their phone system just hangs up on you. How are people supposed to get help when you literally cannot reach anyone?

For what it's worth, once your claim is approved and you get into the routine of filing weekly claims, it's pretty smooth. The hard part is the initial application and getting through any issues that come up. Just be patient and persistent.

Quick question - do you have to be a US citizen to apply for unemployment in Washington? My friend is on a work visa and got laid off but wasn't sure if he qualifies.

Also worth mentioning - if you quit your job, you generally won't qualify for unemployment unless it was for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this.

Last piece of advice - don't wait if you think you qualify. Even if you're not 100% sure, it's better to apply and potentially get denied than to not apply at all. You can always appeal or ask questions later, but you can't get back those weeks if you wait too long to file.

Good luck with your application! The first time is always nerve-wracking but it's really not that bad once you get through it. Most people get approved without any issues, especially for layoffs.