How to collect unemployment benefits in Washington - complete process?

First step is filing your initial claim at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The system will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings. After you file, you'll get a determination letter in about a week.

After filing your claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to actually collect benefits. This is super important - if you miss a week you can't go back and claim it later. The weekly claims ask about any work you did and money you earned that week.

Make sure you're ready for the job search requirements too. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. They can audit this at any time so don't slack off on documenting everything.

One thing that really helped me was using Claimyr when I had issues getting through to Washington ESD. Their phone system is constantly busy and I was spending hours trying to reach someone. Claimyr got me connected to an actual agent in minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - it shows exactly how it works.

The whole process can take 2-3 weeks before you see your first payment, sometimes longer if there are any issues with your claim. Don't panic if it doesn't happen immediately - that's normal.

dont forget you might owe taxes on unemployment benefits!! i learned this the hard way last year when i got a huge tax bill. you can have them withhold taxes when you file your weekly claims

Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements too. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. If you haven't worked much in the past year, you might not qualify.

Pro tip: set up your eServices account right away and check it regularly. All your important documents and messages from Washington ESD will show up there. Don't rely on mail because it can be slow or get lost.

Whatever you do, be completely honest on your application. If they find out you lied about anything, even small stuff, they can disqualify you and make you pay back benefits. It's not worth the risk.

The system can be frustrating but stick with it. I had so many problems with my claim last year - adjudication delays, missing payments, couldn't get anyone on the phone. Eventually it all got sorted out but it took patience.

Also remember you can work part time while collecting unemployment, but you have to report ALL earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn, but you might still get some benefits.

Save all your confirmation numbers and keep screenshots of everything! If something goes wrong you'll need proof of what you submitted and when.

The weekly claims open on Sunday and you have until Saturday to file for that week. I always file mine on Sunday morning so I don't forget. Set a reminder on your phone or something.

ugh the washington esd system is so outdated and buggy. sometimes the website just doesn't work and you cant file your claim. then you have to call and good luck getting through

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA registration too. You're supposed to register there within a certain timeframe and use their job search tools. It's another hoop to jump through but it's required.

One more thing - if you get a letter about any kind of hearing or appeal deadline, take it seriously! Those deadlines are firm and if you miss them you lose your chance to fight any negative decisions.

Good luck with everything! The process seems overwhelming at first but it gets easier once you get into the routine. File that initial claim as soon as possible - you can't get benefits for weeks before you apply.