How to file a new unemployment claim with Washington ESD - complete beginner here

You'll want to go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Don't wait - you should file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.

The online application walks you through everything step by step. Just make sure you're on the official Washington ESD website and not some third-party site. You'll create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't already have one.

Been through this process twice now. One thing that helped me was having all my employer information written down before I started the application. You need exact dates of employment, not just approximate months. Also, be very specific about why you were laid off - write down exactly what your employer told you.

Just a heads up - if you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions, there's a service called Claimyr that can help you actually reach a live agent. I found it at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when I had questions about my claim.

ugh the whole system is such a mess. took me forever to figure out how to even start my claim last year

Make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing your weekly claims. The initial claim is what you're doing now - that establishes your eligibility. Once that's approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments.

Also be prepared for the job search requirements. In Washington you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. They can audit this at any time.

One thing nobody mentioned - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state. Washington ESD will tell you during the application process if this applies to you.

Quick tip: after you submit your initial application, you'll get a determination letter in the mail (or online) telling you if you're approved and what your weekly benefit amount will be. Don't start filing weekly claims until you get that approval.

I had trouble with the website timing out during my application. If that happens, don't panic - just log back in and continue where you left off. The system saves your progress automatically.

Make sure you file during business hours if possible. The website can get overloaded on Sundays and Mondays when everyone is trying to file their weekly claims.

If you run into any issues or have questions during the process, definitely don't just guess. I used that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier to get through to an actual Washington ESD representative who walked me through some confusing parts of my application. Much better than trying to figure it out on your own.

Just want to add - be completely honest on your application. If Washington ESD finds out later that you provided false information, they can make you pay back all your benefits plus penalties.

The hardest part for me was remembering all my previous employer addresses. I had to look up a couple of them online before I could complete the application.

Also heads up that your benefit amount is based on your earnings in the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. So if you just started a job recently, those wages might not count toward your benefit calculation.

washington esd website crashed on me like 3 times when i was trying to file. so frustrating but i kept trying and eventually got through

Pro tip: print out or screenshot your confirmation page after you submit. You'll get a confirmation number that's useful to have if you need to call Washington ESD about your claim later.

The waiting period is the worst part. Even after you file, there's usually a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits. Just so you know to plan for that.

If your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, that's when you might really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. That's another situation where services like Claimyr can be helpful since adjudication can take weeks and you want to make sure there aren't any issues you can resolve.

Thanks everyone for all this helpful info! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. Going to gather all my employment info tonight and file first thing tomorrow morning.