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

Don't wait - you should file your initial claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. Go to the Washington ESD website and create an account if you don't have one. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment.

You need to file as soon as possible! Don't wait because your benefit year starts from when you first file, not when you became unemployed. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months, and your reason for separation.

The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. Make sure you're actively looking for work and keeping a job search log because Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week.

I just went through this process last month. The online application took me about 45 minutes to complete. Make sure you have exact dates and addresses for all your jobs in the last year and a half. They'll ask about your wages too so have your pay stubs ready if possible.

The key steps are: 1) File your initial application online at esd.wa.gov, 2) Wait for your determination letter, 3) File weekly claims every week even if you haven't been paid yet, 4) Complete your job search activities. Don't skip the weekly claims - that's a common mistake that can delay your payments.

One thing that helped me was using a service called Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD. The phone lines are usually swamped and it's nearly impossible to get through. Claimyr calls for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - it saved me hours of frustration.

ugh the washington esd system is such a nightmare, good luck getting through to anyone if you have problems. i've been trying to call for 2 weeks straight

Honestly, trying to get through to Washington ESD by phone is nearly impossible these days. I spent weeks trying to call them when I had questions about my claim. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made my life so much easier.

When you file, make sure you answer all the questions honestly about why you lost your job. If you were laid off due to lack of work, that's straightforward. But if there were any performance issues or if you quit, that could complicate things and send your claim to adjudication.

Also heads up - there's a one week waiting period for new claims. So even if your claim is approved right away, you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment. It's basically an unpaid waiting week that everyone has to serve.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing! i filed 3 weeks ago and still waiting for my determination letter. starting to panic about paying rent next month

Make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing weekly claims. The initial claim is a one-time thing where you provide all your work history. Weekly claims are what you file every week to actually get paid - you have to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Been on unemployment twice in the last 5 years and the process hasn't changed much. Just be prepared for it to take longer than you expect. Washington ESD is overwhelmed and everything moves slowly. Start looking for work immediately even while your claim is processing.

Make sure you set up direct deposit when you file your claim. Getting payments by debit card can be a hassle and there are fees for using ATMs. Direct deposit is free and faster.

One thing nobody mentions - if you have any complications with your claim (like if your employer contests it or there are questions about why you left), your claim will go into adjudication and that can take WEEKS. File as soon as possible because the clock starts ticking from your filing date, not your last day of work.

I remember being so confused when I first filed. The terminology is confusing - weekly claims, adjudication, able and available, all that stuff. Don't worry if it seems overwhelming at first.

The Washington ESD website has gotten better over the years but it's still pretty clunky. Don't be surprised if you have to try multiple times to submit your application - sometimes it times out or has technical issues. Just keep trying.

Pro tip: when you're filling out your work history, be as accurate as possible with dates and wages. They will verify this information with your employers, and any discrepancies can delay your claim or even result in overpayment issues later.

I wish someone had told me about the waiting week when I first filed. There's no waiting week anymore in Washington, but you still have to wait for your claim to be processed before payments start. Don't expect money immediately.

The job search requirement is real and they do check. I got audited last year and had to provide detailed records of all my job search activities. Use WorkSourceWA.com to track everything - it makes it much easier.

If you run into problems or have questions, definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and they got me through to someone at Washington ESD who actually helped resolve the issue. Worth it when you need real answers.

Also remember that if you do any work while collecting benefits, even just a few hours, you need to report it on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount for that week but you won't get in trouble. Not reporting work is what gets people in trouble for overpayments.

The most important thing is just to start the process. Yes, it's confusing and yes, the system isn't perfect, but thousands of people successfully file for unemployment every week. Don't let the complexity stop you from getting benefits you've earned.

One last thing - if you get denied for any reason, don't panic. You can appeal the decision. A lot of denials get overturned on appeal, especially if there was a misunderstanding about why you left your job.

honestly the whole system is a mess but you just have to push through it. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment but eventually it all worked out. hang in there!

The key thing is to file your weekly claims every single week, even if your initial claim is still pending. If you miss filing a weekly claim, you could lose benefits for that week and it's hard to get them back.

One more thing - register with WorkSource Washington if you haven't already. It's not technically required but it shows you're actively looking for work and some job search activities through WorkSource count toward your weekly requirements.

honestly just be prepared for the system to be slow and glitchy sometimes. i've had weekly claims that just wouldn't submit and had to try like 5 times

If you do run into any issues or your claim gets stuck, seriously consider using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. I wasted so much time trying to call myself before I found out about it. The website is claimyr.com and it was honestly a lifesaver.

To summarize the basic steps: 1) File your initial claim online as soon as possible after your last day of work, 2) Wait for approval (hopefully without adjudication), 3) File weekly claims every week, 4) Do your required job searches and keep records, 5) Report any work or income on your weekly claims. That covers the basics.

Good luck with your claim! The system isn't perfect but most people do get their benefits eventually. Just stay on top of your weekly filings and job search requirements.

Pro tip: take screenshots of everything when you file - your confirmation numbers, your weekly claim submissions, everything. If something goes wrong later you'll have proof of what you submitted and when.

Also don't panic if your first payment seems low - they take out federal taxes unless you opt out, and some people get confused thinking Washington ESD made a mistake.

make sure your address is correct in the system too. i had mail going to my old address for weeks before i realized

One last thing - if you get any mail from Washington ESD, read it carefully and respond by any deadlines. Missing a deadline for additional information can delay or stop your benefits.