How to claim unemployment benefits - Washington ESD process help needed

You need to file your initial claim as soon as possible - don't wait! Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'File a New Claim' button. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months, and your separation notice from your employer. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed.

Make sure you understand the weekly claim process too. After you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to get paid. It's not automatic. I made that mistake my first time and missed two weeks of benefits.

The biggest hurdle right now is actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD if you run into problems. Their phone lines are constantly busy and you can spend hours trying to reach an agent. I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helps you get through to ESD agents automatically. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

The job search requirements are something to keep in mind too. Washington ESD requires you to actively look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. You need to register with WorkSource Washington as well. Don't skip this part or they can deny your benefits.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation. make sure you upload everything they ask for right away or you'll be waiting forever

Don't let the horror stories scare you too much. Most claims go through without major issues if you provide accurate information upfront. The key is being thorough and honest on your initial application. Double-check everything before you submit.

One thing that helped me was calling first thing in the morning when the phone lines open. I got through around 8:05 AM on my third try. If you call later in the day, forget about it - you'll be waiting forever or get disconnected.

Remember that your benefit amount is based on your earnings in your base period, which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file now in January 2025, they'll look at your wages from October 2023 through September 2024. Make sure that information is accurate.

Pro tip: Set up your eServices account on the Washington ESD website right away. That's where you'll file your weekly claims, check your payment status, and handle most communication with ESD. The sooner you get familiar with the system, the easier everything will be.

Watch out for the waiting week. Washington doesn't have a waiting week anymore for regular unemployment, but if there are any issues with your claim, it can feel like you're waiting forever. Stay on top of any requests for information.

I've been through this process twice now and the most important advice I can give is to keep detailed records of EVERYTHING. Every phone call, every document you submit, every weekly claim you file. If something goes wrong, you'll need that paper trail.

If you run into any problems or your claim gets delayed, don't just sit there waiting. Keep trying to contact ESD. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it really helped me get through when I was having issues with my weekly claims not processing correctly.

One last thing - make sure you report any severance pay or vacation payout you received. This can affect your benefits timing, but it's better to report it upfront than have ESD find out later and create an overpayment situation.

Good luck with your claim! The process seems overwhelming at first but once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims it becomes second nature. Most people have their claims approved without major issues.