How to file an appeal for unemployment online Washington ESD - step by step help needed

You'll need to log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look for the appeals section. There should be a link in your account dashboard after you get the denial notice.

The online appeal system can be really confusing. I spent hours trying to figure it out when my claim got denied for job search issues.

I used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD when I was having trouble with my appeal filing. They have a service that helps you reach actual agents instead of waiting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me time when I needed to get specific instructions for the online appeal process.

From what I remember, you need to go to the main Washington ESD unemployment page, log into your account, then look for 'Appeal a Decision' or something similar in the menu. The exact wording changes sometimes but it should be there somewhere.

UGH the Washington ESD website is THE WORST for this stuff. I had to mail in my appeal because I couldn't figure out the online system either. Such a pain.

Make sure you're looking in the right place - it's not always obvious. After you log in, check under 'Claim Status' and see if there's an appeals section there.

Another option is to call the appeals line directly at 800-318-6022. They can help you file over the phone if the online system isn't working for you.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - the regular phone lines are completely jammed. With their service I got through to an actual person who could help with the appeal process instead of just getting hung up on repeatedly.

Just want to add that you absolutely NEED to file within 30 days of the denial date or you lose your right to appeal. Don't let the crappy website or phone system make you miss that deadline.

Try accessing your account from a different browser or device sometimes that helps with the Washington ESD website glitches

When you do find the appeal form, make sure you include ALL the documentation that supports your case. Don't just write a brief explanation - give them everything you've got.

I filed my appeal last month and it took forever to get a hearing scheduled. Just be prepared for a long wait even after you get the appeal submitted.

Does anyone know if you can still collect benefits while your appeal is pending? Or do you have to wait until it's resolved?

Try looking for 'Protest/Appeal' in your online account - that's what it was called when I had to file mine a few months ago.

The Washington ESD website gets updated pretty frequently and they move stuff around without telling anyone. That's another reason why talking to an actual agent through Claimyr was so helpful - they knew exactly where everything was located on the current version of the site.

Make sure you save copies of everything you submit for your appeal. The Washington ESD system has been known to lose paperwork.

If you absolutely can't find the online appeal option, you can download the appeal form from the Washington ESD website and mail or fax it in. Not ideal but it works.

I hope you get this figured out OP. The appeal process is stressful enough without having to fight with their website too.

One last tip - if you do get through to someone on the phone, ask them to email you written confirmation of what they tell you about the appeal process. That way you have it in writing if there are any questions later.

Good luck OP! Don't give up - appeals can be won if you have good documentation and present your case well.