How to do unemployment claim in Washington - complete beginner needs help

Thanks! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic info about my employers?

Just the basic info for the initial application. They might request pay stubs later if there are any issues with your claim.

What counts as a job search activity? Is just applying for jobs enough?

Job applications count, but so do networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and even some online training courses. Keep detailed records of everything.

Make sure you log everything in the WorkSource system - they can audit your job search activities and deny benefits if you don't have proper documentation.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. What did you do when you couldn't get through?

I ended up using a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication.

Take a deep breath! Minor mistakes can usually be corrected. The important thing is to be honest and accurate about your work history and reason for separation. If you're unsure about something, it's better to call and ask than to guess.

But how do you call when everyone says you can't get through?? This is so stressful.

While the system can be frustrating, most people do get their benefits eventually. The key is following all the rules and being persistent when you need help.

Easy for you to say. Some of us have been waiting months for our claims to be processed while bills pile up.

What's an overpayment notice?

when they say you got paid too much and have to pay it back. happened because i didnt report some part time work properly

This is super helpful! What's a monetary determination letter?

It tells you how much your weekly benefit amount will be and how many weeks you're eligible for. It's based on your earnings in the base period, which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.

Mine took 5 weeks to get my first payment because they had to verify my identity. Make sure all your info matches exactly what's on file with Social Security.

Should I print everything out or are digital copies okay?

Digital copies are fine, but make sure you have them saved in multiple places. I keep screenshots of my weekly claims and job search activities just in case.

That's a good idea! Do you remember the names of any specific groups?

I can't remember the exact names, but if you search for 'Washington unemployment help' or 'WA ESD support' you should find several active groups.

How does that service work exactly? Do they just help you get through on the phone?

Yeah, they handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual person instead of you sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on. There's a demo video that explains it better than I can.

How detailed do the records need to be? Like do I need to save the actual job postings?

I save screenshots of job postings and keep detailed notes about each application. Better to have too much documentation than not enough.

The WorkSource system has a built-in job search log that tracks most of this automatically if you apply through their system. That's often the easiest way to maintain proper records.

If you have a definite return date within a reasonable timeframe, you might qualify for standby status. But you need to discuss this with Washington ESD directly because the rules are specific about when standby applies.

I don't have a definite date, just that they said 'maybe in a few months.' I guess that means I have to do the job search stuff?

Yes, without a definite recall date, you'll need to meet the job search requirements. You should still be able to return to your old job if they call you back.

How long does the appeal process take?

mine took about 3 months total but that was during covid when everything was backed up. probably faster now but still expect several weeks minimum

Good to know! I was wondering if there were technical issues people run into.

Yeah, sometimes the weekly claim system will seem to freeze or not save your information. Always take screenshots before submitting anything important.

What happens if you miss a week?

You lose that week's benefits permanently unless you can prove it was their fault or you had a valid reason like being hospitalized. They're pretty strict about it.

What kind of information requests do they send?

Could be anything - verification of employment, clarification about why you left a job, proof of job search activities, identity verification documents. They communicate through your online account so check it regularly.

That's reassuring! I was worried I'd have to do it all in one sitting.

Nope, you can log out and come back to it later. Just make sure to submit it within a reasonable timeframe - don't wait weeks or your claim could be delayed.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims every week once you submit your application, even if you haven't heard back yet.

You've got this! The process seems overwhelming at first but it gets easier once you get into the routine.

And remember, if you run into any issues where you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, services like Claimyr are there to help. Don't let phone frustration derail your claim.

What if you're sick one week? Do you still file a claim?

If you're too sick to work, you wouldn't be 'able and available' that week, so you'd answer 'no' to that question on your weekly claim. You might not get paid for that week, but you should still file the claim.

Same here! It's nice to know there are people who've been through this before and are willing to help.

That's what these forums are for. We've all been there and know how stressful it can be when you're dealing with unemployment for the first time.