How to claim unemployment benefits - Washington ESD first-time application help needed

First step is to apply online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible since there's a waiting week. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation. The application takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.

After you submit your initial application, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. Don't skip weeks even if your claim is still pending - you can't go back and claim those weeks later.

One thing to be prepared for - if you have any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, the phone lines are absolutely brutal. I spent weeks trying to get through. Recently discovered Claimyr at claimyr.com which actually got me connected to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Make sure you're available for work and actively looking for a job. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and log them in your account. They can audit this anytime.

ugh the whole process is so confusing... I made a mistake on my application and now its been in adjudication for 2 weeks. no idea whats happening or if ill ever get paid

Been through this before - the key is to be completely honest about why you lost your job. If you were fired for cause or quit without good reason, you might be disqualified. Layoffs and reductions in force are usually fine.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit right away. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail. You can set this up in your online account.

Also want to mention - if you run into any issues or your claim gets stuck, don't wait weeks like I did. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work for getting through to Washington ESD. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort things out.

Don't forget about the tax implications! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay quarterly. I learned this the hard way last year.

One more thing - keep records of EVERYTHING. Save screenshots of your weekly claims, print confirmation pages, keep notes about any calls or correspondence. The system can be glitchy and you want to be able to prove what you submitted.

The waiting period is usually one week, but don't let that discourage you. File your weekly claims every week even during the waiting period. Your benefits will start after that first week as long as you're eligible.

if your claim gets denied for any reason, you can appeal it. You usually have 30 days to file an appeal. Don't give up if you think you're eligible - sometimes initial denials get overturned.

Check your online account regularly for any correspondence or requests for information. Washington ESD communicates mostly through the online system now, and missing a deadline can really mess up your claim.

The maximum benefit amount in Washington changes each year. For 2025 it's around $1,019 per week if you qualify for the maximum. Your amount depends on your wages from the base period.

Just to circle back - if you do run into problems with your claim or need clarification on anything, that Claimyr service really is a game changer for actually reaching Washington ESD staff by phone. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who can look at your specific situation.

Start your application as soon as possible! Benefits are only paid from the date you apply, not from when you lost your job. Every day you wait is money you can't get back.

Good luck with your claim! The process seems overwhelming at first but once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims it becomes pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of the job search requirements and keep good records.