How to claim unemployment benefits in Washington - need step by step help

First step is creating your account on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. Make sure you have employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. File your initial claim as soon as possible - there's no waiting period in Washington but you want to get the process started.

Washington ESD stands for Employment Security Department - that's the state agency that handles unemployment insurance (UI). You can apply online at esd.wa.gov, don't need to go anywhere in person. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation.

After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. You can do this online or by phone. They'll ask if you looked for work, if you worked any hours, and if you received any income. Don't skip weeks even if you think you might not qualify - let them decide.

The hardest part is actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD if you have questions. I spent hours trying to call them when my claim got stuck in adjudication. If you run into issues and need to talk to someone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through. They have a system that keeps calling until they connect you with an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

File as soon as possible! There's a one week waiting period before benefits start, so the sooner you apply the better. I waited two weeks after getting fired and wished I had started immediately.

The online application at secure.esd.wa.gov is pretty straightforward but if you run into issues trying to reach Washington ESD by phone, I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

Once you submit your initial application, you'll need to file weekly claims every Sunday through the following Saturday. This is super important - you have to do this every week even if you haven't received your first payment yet. Miss a week and you lose that week's benefits permanently.

Don't forget about the waiting week! Oh wait, Washington eliminated that. Never mind lol. But seriously, make sure you register with WorkSource too - it's required for most people and helps with the job search requirement.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I filed 3 weeks ago and my claim is still pending adjudication whatever that means. nobody explains anything clearly

Make sure you have your bank account info ready for direct deposit. Getting a debit card takes longer and has fees.

Washington ESD is impossible to reach by phone I swear. I've been trying for days and either get busy signal or get disconnected after waiting an hour

ugh the whole system is such a mess. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because of some stupid issue with my identity verification. make sure all your info matches exactly what's on your ID or you'll be stuck waiting forever

One thing to be aware of - if you quit your job instead of being laid off, you might not qualify for benefits unless you had good cause. Layoffs, company closures, and being fired for non-misconduct reasons usually qualify. If you're unsure about your situation, file anyway and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington (worksource.wa.gov) for the job search requirements. They have resources for job hunting and training programs too.

Just a heads up - if you quit your job you probably won't qualify unless it was for good cause. Layoffs and firings (not for misconduct) usually qualify.

The waiting period is annoying but at least Washington pays retroactively once approved. Some states make you wait longer.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit when you file your claim. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail. Also, keep track of all your job search activities in a spreadsheet or notebook. Washington ESD can audit your job search at any time and you need to prove you're meeting the requirements.

One more important thing - your benefit amount is based on your earnings in your 'base year' which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So recent pay increases might not count toward your benefit calculation.

been on unemployment twice and honestly the hardest part is just getting started. once you figure out the weekly claims routine it becomes automatic

If your claim gets denied don't panic - you can appeal! I got denied initially because of a misunderstanding about why I left my job but won on appeal.

Make copies of everything! Your application, correspondence from Washington ESD, job search logs, everything. You never know when you'll need it.

taxes!! dont forget unemployment is taxable income. you can have taxes taken out or pay at the end of the year

What if I'm working part-time while collecting unemployment? I got a few hours at a temp agency but don't want to mess up my benefits.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I'm going to start my application right now while I have all this fresh in my mind. Feeling much more confident about the process now.

One last tip - if you have multiple jobs you need to report ALL of them in your work history, not just your main job. Washington ESD needs the complete picture.

Hope everything goes smoothly for you! The system isn't perfect but it's there to help people get back on their feet.

My claim has been pending for 3 weeks now. I can't get through to anyone on the phone. This is so frustrating.

Make sure you're checking your messages in your Washington ESD account regularly. They'll send you notifications about your claim status, requests for additional information, or if they need you to complete any steps. Missing these messages can delay your benefits.

Does anyone know if you can backdate your claim if you forget to file right away? I waited a week after getting laid off before filing.

The whole process seems overwhelming at first but it gets easier once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims. Just take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

One more thing - if your claim gets denied for any reason, you have the right to appeal. Don't give up if you think the decision is wrong. Appeals can take time but they're worth it if you have a valid case.

I've been collecting unemployment for 2 months now and the key is staying organized and consistent. File your weekly claims on the same day each week, keep detailed job search records, and respond to any requests from Washington ESD promptly.

if you're having trouble with the website, try using a different browser or clearing your cache. the washington esd site can be glitchy sometimes

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your benefits or pay them when you file your tax return. Just something to keep in mind for next year.

Been collecting for 4 months now and still looking for work. The job market is tough but the unemployment benefits have been a lifesaver. Don't feel bad about using the system - you paid into it through your taxes.

Last thing - make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. Your weekly amount is what you get each week, but there's a limit to how much you can collect total. In Washington, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits in most cases.

Update us on how it goes! This community is always here to help if you run into any issues during the process.

Good thread, bookmarking this in case I ever need it. Never know when layoffs might happen in this economy.

Glad we could help! Filing for unemployment shouldn't be this complicated but at least there are resources and people willing to share their experience.