How to draw unemployment benefits in Washington - complete filing process?

Thanks! Do I need pay stubs or will they verify my wages some other way?

Washington ESD gets your wage information directly from employers, but having your pay stubs handy can help if there are any discrepancies.

2-3 weeks?! I need to pay rent next week. Is there any way to speed this up?

Unfortunately no, that's just how long the processing takes. Make sure you file weekly claims on time even if your initial claim is still pending.

Is that legitimate? I'm worried about giving my info to third parties.

Yeah it's legit, they just help you get through the phone queue. You still talk directly to Washington ESD agents, not them.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't reach anyone about my adjudication issue. It definitely works.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do I need to do more?

Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking activities. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and contact methods.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

Adjudication is when they need to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits. Not everyone goes through it, usually happens if there are questions about why you left your job.

When do I file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sunday morning to get it out of the way.

Should I have taxes taken out or pay later?

I'd recommend having them take taxes out. Otherwise you might owe a lot come tax time.

How long did it take you to get your first payment?

about 3 weeks total from when I first applied to when money hit my account

What if I do some gig work like DoorDash while collecting?

You have to report all earnings. They'll reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn, but you won't lose benefits entirely unless you earn more than your weekly benefit amount.

I looked at their website but it's so much information, I got overwhelmed.

Yeah it can be a lot. Focus on just the initial claim filing section first, then worry about the other stuff later.

Why would a claim get denied?

Common reasons are if they think you quit voluntarily, were fired for misconduct, or don't meet the wage requirements. Most can be appealed if you have documentation.

That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. Thanks for the encouragement.

You got this! The hardest part is just getting started. Once you file that initial claim, the rest follows a routine.

Good thinking, I'll definitely do that.

Yeah learned that lesson the hard way when their system crashed right after I submitted and I had no way to prove it.

What's standby status? My manager said they might call me back when business picks up.

Standby means you don't have to look for work because you're expected to return to your job. But it has to be approved by Washington ESD and your employer has to verify the callback date.

Wait, what? So I won't get paid for the first week at all?

Correct, the first week is a waiting period. You'll get paid starting from the second week if your claim is approved.

What happens if I make a mistake on my application?

Small mistakes can usually be corrected, but major discrepancies might trigger an investigation. Just be as accurate as possible from the start.

How much does it cost?

I don't remember the exact price but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of hanging up on busy signals all day.

So if I earn $100 in a week, they'd take $95 off my unemployment?

Exactly. So you'd get your full weekly benefit amount minus $95. Sometimes it's still worth it depending on how much you earn.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about getting started now.

Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues along the way.

I'll make sure to set that up when I file. Thanks for thinking of that detail!

And if you need to call Washington ESD about setting up direct deposit or anything else, remember Claimyr can help you actually get through to talk to someone.