How to collect unemployment in Washington - complete beginner guide needed

Washington ESD stands for Employment Security Department - that's our state's unemployment agency. You'll file your initial claim 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, dates worked, and gross wages earned. The process usually takes about 15-20 minutes online.

You can file your initial claim online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The process usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete online.

Washington ESD is the Employment Security Department - that's the state agency that handles unemployment insurance (UI). You'll need to file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. 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 whole process can be done online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Each weekly claim asks about any work you did and money you earned that week. Make sure you're actively looking for work too because Washington has job search requirements.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I had questions about my claim status.

After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. This is super important - if you miss filing a weekly claim, you won't get paid for that week. You also have to be actively searching for work and keep a job search log.

The online application walks you through everything step by step. After you file, you'll get a determination letter in about 1-2 weeks telling you if you qualify and your weekly benefit amount. Then you have to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments.

Just a heads up - if you have any issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, there's a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me connect with an agent when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me when my claim got stuck.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! i tried filing last week and got stuck on the part where they ask about your reason for separation. what do i put if i got laid off due to business closure?

One thing nobody mentions is that it can take 2-3 weeks to get your first payment even after you're approved. Make sure you have some savings to cover expenses during that waiting period. The weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings from your highest-earning quarter in the base period.

One thing to be prepared for is that it can take FOREVER to get 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 can't reach them by phone, there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements. In Washington, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You can use WorkSourceWA.com to track your job searches - it integrates with your unemployment account.

Make sure you respond to any requests from Washington ESD immediately! I missed a deadline for additional information and had to wait an extra month while my claim went through adjudication. They'll send notifications through your online account and sometimes by mail.

Make sure you have all your employment history ready before you start the application. They'll ask for specific dates, wages, and addresses going back 18 months. If you don't have exact information, you can estimate but try to be as accurate as possible.

ugh the whole system is so confusing when you're already stressed about money. took me forever to figure out the difference between filing a claim and filing weekly claims

The job search requirement is no joke - you need to document everything in WorkSourceWA. Create your account there too because it's connected to your unemployment claim. You can search and apply for jobs directly through that system.

One thing they don't make clear upfront - if your claim goes into adjudication (which happens if there are any questions about your eligibility), it can take weeks or even months to resolve. Don't panic if this happens, but be prepared for delays.

does anyone know if i can get unemployment if i was working part time? i only worked about 25 hours a week but it was my only job for the past year

Just want to mention Claimyr again for anyone struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone. I was getting disconnected constantly trying to call about my adjudication status. Used their service and got connected to an agent within minutes. Really saved my sanity during a stressful time.

MAKE SURE YOU FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS ON TIME! I missed filing one week and lost that week's benefits permanently. You have to file every single week even if you haven't received your first payment yet.

ugh the whole system is such a pain. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they had to 'investigate' my claim even though i was clearly laid off due to company downsizing. be prepared for delays and bureaucratic nonsense

Pro tip: create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first before filing your unemployment claim. It's the login system for all Washington state services and you'll need it to access your Washington ESD account.

Whatever you do, don't wait to file! Your claim is backdated to the week you file, not the week you lost your job. So if you wait a month to file, you lose those first few weeks of potential benefits.

Don't forget you'll also need to register with WorkSource Washington for job search services. It's a requirement for receiving UI benefits. You can do this online at worksourcewa.com.

Quick question - are you eligible for benefits? You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. Usually it's the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed.

I remember being confused about the monetary determination vs eligibility determination. The monetary determination tells you how much you can receive based on your past wages. The eligibility determination tells you if you actually qualify to receive benefits based on how you lost your job.

The whole system is designed to be confusing and make you give up. I've been trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD for two weeks about an issue with my claim. The phone lines are always busy and their online messaging system is useless.

just to add - you can file your claim 24/7 online but if you need to call Washington ESD, their phone lines are only open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. The lines get super busy so try calling right at 8am

whatever you do, don't lie on your application. they cross-reference everything with employers and tax records. i know someone who got in serious trouble for not reporting side income

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file an interstate claim. Washington ESD can help determine if you should file here or in another state based on where you earned the most wages.

One tip that helped me - create your SecureAccess Washington account first before trying to file your claim. The system sometimes gets overwhelmed and having your account already set up makes the process smoother.

Remember that your first week is usually a waiting week in Washington, so you won't get paid for that week even if you're approved. It's just how the system works - you get benefits starting from your second week of unemployment.

my claim got stuck in adjudication for a month because they needed to verify my identity. make sure all your personal info matches exactly what's on your Social Security card and driver's license when you apply

One more important thing - you'll need to report any vacation pay, severance, or pension payments you receive. These can affect your benefit amount or delay when you can start receiving payments.

The whole process stressed me out too when I first did it. But honestly once you get through the initial application and start filing weekly claims, it becomes routine. Just make sure you file every week even if you're still waiting for your first payment.

Actually, if you do need to call Washington ESD and can't get through, I'd definitely recommend checking out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. They've helped thousands of people connect with ESD agents when the regular phone lines are jammed.

Just wanted to add that you should keep all your documents organized - termination letter, pay stubs, tax forms, etc. You might need them later if there are any questions about your claim.

been through this process twice unfortunately and my advice is to be patient but persistent. the system works but it's slow and can be frustrating. hang in there!

One thing I wish someone had told me - take screenshots of everything when you're filing online. Sometimes the system glitches and you'll want proof of what you submitted.

The waiting is the worst part. Once you get your first payment, you'll feel so much better. Just focus on your job search and filing your weekly claims on time.

Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly claim and your initial claim. The initial claim establishes your benefit year and amount. Weekly claims are what you file every week to actually get paid.

Don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication - it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem. Sometimes they just need to verify information with your employer.

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

Good luck with everything! The first time is always scary but you've got this. File your claim, keep good records, and stay on top of your weekly claims. The money will come.

One final tip - if you move or change your address while collecting benefits, update it immediately in your online account. Mail delays can cause payment issues.

Don't forget about the tax implications! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your tax return. I always have them withhold 10% to avoid a big tax bill later.

honestly the hardest part is just getting started. once you file that first claim and get into the routine of weekly filings, it becomes automatic. the key is being consistent and following all the rules

One last thing - keep records of EVERYTHING. Screenshots of your weekly claims, copies of job applications, notes about phone calls with Washington ESD. If there's ever a problem with your claim, you'll be glad you have documentation.

Just wanted to add that the Washington ESD website has a really good FAQ section that answers most common questions. Bookmark that page because you'll probably refer back to it multiple times during your claim period.

Good luck with your claim! The process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that complicated once you get started. Just take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask questions if you get stuck.

The whole process stressed me out so much when I first did it but it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started. The Washington ESD website has gotten a lot better over the years.

Make sure you have a reliable way to receive mail and check your email regularly. Washington ESD sends important notices both ways and missing deadlines can mess up your benefits.

Been through this process twice now unfortunately. The key things: file online at esd.wa.gov, be completely honest about everything, keep good records of your job searches, and file your weekly claims on time every week. It becomes routine after a few weeks.

also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. you can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return next year

The hardest part for me was the waiting - waiting for the determination letter, waiting for the first payment, waiting when my claim went into adjudication. Just try to be patient and keep filing your weekly claims even if payments are delayed.

Last bit of advice - keep copies of everything. Screenshot your weekly claim confirmations, save all the letters Washington ESD sends you, keep your job search log updated. If any issues come up later, you'll be glad you have documentation.

One final note - if you end up needing to appeal any decisions Washington ESD makes about your claim, you only have 30 days from the date on their letter to file the appeal. Don't wait if you disagree with something.

Just want to second the recommendation for Claimyr if you can't get through to Washington ESD on the phone. I was skeptical at first but it really works when you need to talk to someone urgently about your claim.

Good luck with everything! The unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there to help you while you look for your next job. Don't be afraid to use the resources available.