How to file a claim with unemployment - Washington ESD step by step guide needed

First thing you need to do is create your SecureAccess Washington account at secure.esd.wa.gov if you don't have one already. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. The initial application takes about 30-45 minutes to complete thoroughly.

The Washington ESD online application is pretty straightforward once you get started. Make sure you have your last employer's business name and address handy, plus your reason for separation. If you were laid off, that's usually coded as 'lack of work' in their system.

Honestly getting through to Washington ESD by phone is nearly impossible these days. I spent weeks trying to call and either got busy signals or hung up on after waiting for hours. Recently found out about claimyr.com - it's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

After you submit your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to certify that you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. Don't skip this step even if your claim is still pending - you can lose benefits for weeks you don't file.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS A NIGHTMARE!!! I filed 6 weeks ago and my claim is still stuck in adjudication with no explanation. Can't get anyone on the phone to tell me what's wrong. This is ridiculous when people need money to survive!

Pro tip: when filling out your application, be very specific about your reason for separation. If you write something vague like 'business reasons' it could trigger an adjudication review that delays your claim for weeks.

Don't forget you'll need to provide your banking information for direct deposit. Washington ESD doesn't mail checks anymore - it's all electronic payments.

I'm worried about making a mistake on the application. What happens if I accidentally put wrong information?

The hardest part for me was gathering all the employment information. I had 4 different jobs in the past 18 months and had to track down addresses and supervisor names. Start collecting that info before you begin the application.

Another thing about that Claimyr service I mentioned - it's really helpful if you run into issues after filing. Like if your claim gets stuck or you need to clarify something with an agent. Way better than spending all day trying to get through their phone system.

One thing people don't realize is that your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter in the past year. So if you had a really good quarter, your benefits might be higher than you expect.

Make sure you understand the waiting week requirement. Your first week of unemployment is a waiting week that you don't get paid for, even if your claim is approved.

ugh this whole process is so stressful. I keep second-guessing every answer I put on the application. What if I mess something up and they deny my claim?

Quick question - if I worked part-time at two different jobs and got laid off from one, can I still file for unemployment?

For anyone still confused about the process, here's the basic timeline: 1) File initial claim online, 2) Wait for monetary determination letter, 3) Start filing weekly claims, 4) Complete job search activities, 5) Receive benefits if approved. The whole process from filing to first payment is usually 3-4 weeks if there are no issues.

I filed my claim 3 weeks ago and just got approved yesterday! The wait was nerve-wracking but the process itself wasn't too bad once I gathered all my information.

Don't forget to check your SAW account regularly for messages. Washington ESD sends important notices through there and if you miss responding to something, it could affect your benefits.

Just wanted to add that if anyone does run into problems getting through to Washington ESD after filing, that Claimyr service I used earlier really does work. Sometimes you need to talk to someone to resolve issues and their regular phone system is just impossible to navigate.

The job search requirement is no joke. Keep detailed records of every application, contact, and interview. They can audit your job search log at any time.

One last tip - read everything Washington ESD sends you carefully! I almost missed an important deadline because I skimmed through a letter thinking it was just routine correspondence.