How to apply for unemployment in Washington - step by step help needed

First thing you need to do is go to esd.wa.gov and create an account if you don't have one. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months. Make sure you have employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and your last day worked for each job. The application itself takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

The application process is pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll answer questions about why you're unemployed, your work history, and your availability to work. Make sure you're honest about everything - they will verify your information with your employers. After you submit, you should get a monetary determination letter within a few days showing your weekly benefit amount.

I applied last month and ran into problems getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my application status. The phone lines are constantly busy and I kept getting disconnected. I finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call on my own.

Don't forget you have to file weekly claims even after your initial application! A lot of people mess this up and think they're done after applying. You need to file every week to keep getting benefits, even if your claim is still pending approval.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You need to look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires a certain number of job contacts per week depending on your situation. They can ask for your job search log at any time.

ugh the whole system is so confusing... I've been trying to figure out if I qualify since I was a contractor for most of last year. Anyone know if contractors can get unemployment in Washington?

Pro tip: gather all your documents before you start the application. I had to stop halfway through because I didn't have my previous employer's exact address and the system timed out on me. Had to start over completely.

The Washington ESD website has been so slow lately. Took me 3 tries to get my application submitted because it kept crashing. Anyone else having technical issues?

Watch out for adjudication! If there's any question about why you left your job or your eligibility, your claim will go into adjudication and that can take weeks to resolve. Be very clear about being laid off vs. quitting vs. being fired.

Don't stress too much about the application - it's designed to be user-friendly. Just answer the questions honestly and completely. The hardest part is usually just getting started. Once you submit it, you'll get confirmation and instructions on next steps.

If you run into problems or have questions after applying, definitely try to call Washington ESD. I know the phone lines are crazy busy but sometimes you really need to talk to someone. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too - got through to an agent in like 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours.

Remember you can also check your claim status online after you apply. Log into your account and look for updates on your monetary determination and whether your claim is approved. Don't just wait around wondering what's happening.

Make sure your mailing address is correct in the application! I had mail going to my old address and missed important notices about my claim. Caused a lot of headaches.

One last thing - keep copies of everything! Screenshot your application confirmation, save all the emails and letters you get from Washington ESD. You might need them later if there are any issues with your claim.

The whole process seems overwhelming at first but just take it step by step. Thousands of people apply for unemployment every week in Washington so the system is set up to handle it. You're not the first person to go through this!