How to claim unemployment benefits in Washington State - need help with filing process

You can file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov - don't need to go anywhere in person unless there's a specific issue. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason you left each job). The process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

Make sure you file as soon as possible! Your claim starts the week you file, not when you lost your job. I made that mistake and lost a week of benefits.

The Washington ESD system can be really frustrating to navigate, especially if you run into issues and need to talk to someone. I spent weeks trying to get through their phone lines when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me connected to an ESD agent the same day. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much stress!

Here's what you need to know about the actual filing process: 1) Go to SecureAccess Washington (SAW) first to create your account if you don't have one. 2) Then go to the ESD unemployment section and start your claim. 3) Answer all questions honestly - they cross-check everything. 4) Submit your claim and write down your confirmation number. 5) Wait for your monetary determination letter in the mail. 6) Start filing weekly claims the Sunday after you submit your initial claim.

Don't forget you have to do job search activities once you start claiming! Washington requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log. I learned this the hard way when they asked for my records during an audit.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they "needed more information" but never told me what information they needed until i finally got through to someone

One important thing - make sure you understand the difference between your initial claim and your weekly claims. Your initial claim establishes your benefit year and weekly benefit amount. Then you have to file a weekly claim every week to actually get paid for that week, even if nothing has changed in your situation.

Another heads up - if you worked for multiple employers in the last 18 months, make sure you have ALL their information ready. Washington ESD will want details on every job, even short-term ones. Missing employer info can delay your claim.

Just want to mention Claimyr again since phone issues came up - if you do run into problems and need to reach ESD, it's been a lifesaver for me and several people I know. The regular phone system is basically unusable during busy periods.

Pro tip: file your weekly claims on Sunday mornings when the system is less busy. I've had much fewer technical issues filing early in the week versus waiting until Friday or Saturday.

Make sure you read the handbook they send you! I know it's boring but it explains a lot of rules that aren't obvious from the website. Like you can't just refuse job offers or you might lose benefits.

been on unemployment twice in the last 5 years and honestly the hardest part is dealing with their customer service when something goes wrong. the automated system works fine for routine stuff but god help you if you need an actual person

Don't forget about the waiting week! Washington has a one-week waiting period for new claims, so you won't get paid for your first week even if you're approved immediately.

If you get a separation notice from your employer, bring that info when you file. Sometimes employers contest claims and having documentation helps your case.

One thing that caught me off guard - you have to report ANY work or income during your weekly claims, even just a few hours of freelance work or odd jobs. Don't try to hide anything because they will find out.

The ESD website has a bunch of tutorial videos that are actually pretty helpful if you're confused about any step. I watched them before filing and it made the process much smoother.

Last mention of this but seriously, if you do need to contact ESD for any reason during your claim, save yourself the headache and use Claimyr. I've recommended it to several friends now and everyone has had success getting through. The peace of mind is worth it when you're dealing with benefit delays.

Main thing is don't panic if the process seems overwhelming at first. Thousands of people file unemployment claims every week and most go through without major issues. Take it step by step and you'll be fine.