How to claim unemployment benefits Washington ESD - complete beginner here

Everything is done online now through the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from your last job (dates, employer contact info, reason for separation). The process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

There's still a one-week waiting period before you can get paid, but you need to file your claim as soon as possible. Don't wait! The sooner you apply, the sooner your claim can be processed.

Here's what you need to know: Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits.' You'll create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one. Have your employment history for the last 18 months ready - all jobs, not just your most recent one. After you apply, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD for questions, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a real person. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call on my own.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This trips up a lot of people.

The whole process is honestly a nightmare. I applied 3 weeks ago and my claim is still pending in adjudication. No explanation, can't reach anyone at Washington ESD. It's like they don't want to pay out benefits.

Pro tip: Apply early in the morning or late at night when the website is less busy. I tried for days during business hours and kept getting error messages.

One more thing - make sure you have a checking account for direct deposit set up. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. They verify everything and if they catch you in a lie, you'll be disqualified and might have to pay back benefits.

The weekly claims are just as important as the initial application. You have to file every week by Sunday night or you won't get paid for that week. Set a reminder on your phone!

I'm gonna be real with you - the system is broken. I've been trying to get my benefits for 2 months. Between the website crashes, impossible phone lines, and random adjudication holds, it's designed to wear you down until you give up.

For what it's worth, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier helped me get through to someone who explained exactly what was holding up my claim. Turned out to be a simple verification issue that got resolved the same day once I talked to an actual person.

Does anyone know if you can apply if you were fired? My boss said it was for performance issues but I think it was really because I asked for a raise.

Just wanted to add that you should screenshot everything during the application process. If something goes wrong later, you'll have proof of what you submitted.

One last thing about job search - networking events and job fairs count toward your weekly requirements. Don't just think about online applications.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm in the same boat as OP and was putting off applying because it seemed so complicated.

Final summary for anyone who needs it: 1) Apply online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible, 2) Have 18 months of work history ready, 3) File weekly claims every week, 4) Keep detailed job search records, 5) Be completely honest on all forms. Good luck everyone!

Hope this helps others too. Unemployment can be stressful enough without having to figure out the system on your own.

Update: Just wanted to mention again that if anyone gets stuck and needs to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service at claimyr.com really does work. Sometimes you need human help to sort through the bureaucracy.

Good luck to everyone applying. Remember that you paid into this system through your paychecks - you've earned these benefits!