How to collect unemployment benefits in Washington - step by step help needed

First thing you need to do is file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

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. Make sure you report any work you do and any money you earn, even if it's just a few hours.

The hardest part is actually getting through to Washington ESD when you have questions. Their phone system is completely overwhelmed and you'll spend hours trying to reach someone. I discovered Claimyr recently - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to actively look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job search contacts per week.

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I've been waiting 3 weeks for my claim to get approved and nobody can tell me why it's taking so long. They say it's in 'adjudication' but won't explain what that means.

Pro tip: File your claim on Sunday night or Monday morning. The system is less busy then and you're less likely to get kicked out.

Make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and standby. If you're expecting to be called back to work within 8 weeks, you might qualify for standby which has different requirements.

Whatever you do, don't lie about anything on your application. Washington ESD will find out and you'll have to pay back everything plus penalties. Be honest about why you lost your job.

The benefit amount depends on how much you earned in your base period. They'll calculate it automatically but you can estimate about 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to the maximum.

You also need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirements. It's a separate system but they connect to your unemployment claim.

If you run into problems with your claim status or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, seriously consider using Claimyr. I wasted weeks trying to get through on my own before I found them. The peace of mind is worth it when you're dealing with unemployment stress.

One thing nobody mentions is that you need to keep filing weekly claims even if your initial claim is still pending. Don't wait for approval or you'll lose those weeks.

The waiting week is gone now so you should get paid for your first week of unemployment if you qualify. That changed a few years ago.

Make sure you have a good phone number and email on file. Washington ESD communicates mostly through their online system but sometimes they need to reach you directly.

If you get denied for any reason, you can appeal the decision. You have 30 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal.

Keep track of all your documentation. Save emails, print out important pages, keep records of your job search. You never know when you'll need to prove something.

The whole process is honestly designed to discourage people from claiming benefits. Stay persistent and don't give up if you hit roadblocks.

Once you get your first payment, it usually comes as a debit card in the mail. After that, payments are loaded onto the card weekly if you keep filing your claims.

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your return.

Just want to emphasize again - if you get stuck trying to reach Washington ESD by phone, don't waste days calling. Claimyr has been a lifesaver for getting through to actual people who can help with claim issues. The demo video shows exactly how it works.