How to draw unemployment benefits in Washington - step by step process?

Thank you! That makes more sense now. Do I need pay stubs or can I just estimate my wages?

You can estimate but having pay stubs helps with accuracy. Washington ESD will verify your wages with employers anyway.

Oh wow, I didn't know about the weekly part. How do I do that?

Log into your eServices account every Sunday and answer questions about your job search activities and any work you did that week.

Make sure you keep track of your job search activities! Washington requires 3 job contacts per week.

Thanks! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic info like dates and wages?

Just the basic info for the initial application. They'll ask for documentation later if needed during adjudication.

OMG yes! I've been trying to call them for weeks. It's so frustrating!

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. They have a system that calls for you and connects you when an agent is available. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

What if I get a part-time job while drawing benefits? Do I report that?

Yes absolutely report all work and earnings. They'll reduce your benefit amount but you can still qualify for partial benefits.

Wait, so I won't get paid for the first week I'm unemployed?

Correct, Washington has a one-week waiting period. You file for that week but don't get paid for it.

That's so unfair when people need money right away after losing their job!

What other programs are there?

There's Shared Work for partial unemployment and standby for temporary layoffs. But regular UI sounds like what you need.

What counts as a job contact? Just applying online?

Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, or networking events. Keep detailed records with dates and employer info.

I got audited last year and had to provide all my job search documentation. It was nerve-wracking but I kept good records so it was fine.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit or some kind of scam?

It's legit - they just help you get through the phone system when Washington ESD is swamped. Saved me hours of calling.

I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck. Way better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected.

Wait what? I thought you just had to be available for work?

Nope, you have to actively search for work and document it. Check the Washington ESD website for the specific requirements.

That sounds like adjudication. Did you quit your job or were there any issues with your separation?

I was laid off but my employer might have contested the claim. Still no word from Washington ESD about what I need to do.

This is exactly when Claimyr helped me. When you're stuck in adjudication and can't reach anyone, it's worth trying their service to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

What if I get a temporary job while collecting benefits?

Report all work and earnings honestly. They have formulas to calculate partial benefits. Never try to hide work - that's fraud.

Check your eServices account online. If your claim is in adjudication, it means they're reviewing something and it can take several weeks.

It just says 'claim under review' but no details about what they're reviewing or how long it will take.

I had the same issue and used Claimyr to finally get through to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim. Worth trying if you're stuck.

If it's straightforward, usually 1-2 weeks. If there are any issues it goes to adjudication and can take much longer.

Mine was approved in 5 days but I know people who waited 6+ weeks for adjudication to finish.

How much do they take out for taxes?

10% federal if you elect to have it withheld. No state income tax in Washington on unemployment benefits.

How do I request tax withholding?

There's an option in your Washington ESD account settings to have 10% withheld for federal taxes.

Good to know! I was planning to try tomorrow during my lunch break.

Weekends are definitely better. The system gets overloaded during business hours.

Adjudication happens when there's a question about your eligibility - like if you quit vs. were laid off, or if there's conflicting information from your employer.

But I was definitely laid off, not fired or quit. This is so frustrating!

Same thing happened to me. I finally used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD and found out my employer had disputed the claim. The agent was able to explain the whole process and what documents I needed to submit.

What's the maximum weekly benefit amount right now?

I think it's around $1015 per week maximum but most people get way less than that.

Oh no, I waited a week already thinking I needed time to get organized first!

You can still file now and you'll get benefits from your filing date forward. Just don't wait any longer!

Really? I thought you had to stop benefits if you moved?

Nope, you can collect unemployment while living in another state as long as you're still available for work and meet the requirements.

How do I figure out what my benefit amount will be?

Washington ESD will calculate it for you based on your wage history. There's also a benefit calculator on their website you can try.

Have you tried contacting your state representative? Sometimes they can help escalate these cases.

Or try Claimyr again - sometimes you need to talk to multiple agents to get movement on stuck claims.

Good to know! I was wondering about that.

Yep, learned that the hard way. Missed 2 weeks of filing and lost those benefits permanently.

Easier said than done! I've called probably 50 times and never gotten through.

I hear you. That's actually why services like Claimyr exist - to help people get through the phone maze when they really need to reach someone.

I was skeptical about using a service to make phone calls for me, but honestly after weeks of getting nowhere, it was worth it to finally get answers about my claim.

What's WorkSourceWA? Is that different from the Washington ESD site?

It's the state job search website. You register there and it connects to your unemployment claim for job search tracking.

That's encouraging! How long can you collect benefits for?

Regular unemployment is up to 26 weeks in Washington, but it depends on your earnings history and the unemployment rate.

How long does the appeal process take?

Mine took about 6 weeks total including the hearing. They do phone hearings now so you don't have to go anywhere.

This is so important. I see so much misinformation shared in Facebook groups.

Good point. I'll stick to the official Washington ESD resources.

How do I set up direct deposit if I didn't do it during the initial application?

You can add it in your Washington ESD account under payment methods. Just need your routing and account numbers.

So I should expect to wait 2 weeks for my first payment?

Yeah, assuming your claim is approved quickly. First week is the waiting week, then you get paid for the second week.

This is crucial info. I reported net earnings initially and it messed up my benefit calculations.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep that in mind if I find part-time work.

I feel this so much. It shouldn't be this hard to get benefits you paid into.

This is exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to help people navigate the bureaucracy when the system fails them.

Awesome! Glad it worked out. Remember to keep filing those weekly claims consistently.

Congrats! The hardest part is behind you now.

Great news! And now you know about Claimyr if you ever need to reach Washington ESD by phone in the future.