How to file an unemployment claim - Washington ESD step by step process?

First thing - don't panic! Filing is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. You'll need to go to the Washington ESD website and create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. The system will ask for employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

The Washington ESD online filing system is available 24/7 which is nice. You'll also need your bank account info for direct deposit setup. Make sure you file as soon as possible after your last day of work - there's a waiting week but you want to get the process started. The system will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings history.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed help with my application. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach an agent - they have this system that calls for you and gets you connected. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you file! You'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this and they do check.

ugh the washington esd system is such a pain... took me forever to figure out how to upload my ID documents and then the website kept timing out on me

Pro tip: when you're filling out the application, be very careful about how you answer the separation reason. If you put 'quit' when you were actually laid off, it can cause problems. Make sure you select the right option from the dropdown menu.

Don't forget you need to file your weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed. I made that mistake and missed out on benefits for those weeks.

Another thing to remember - if you have any part-time work or odd jobs while collecting benefits, you need to report that income on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits accordingly but it's better than getting hit with an overpayment later.

I'm going through this process right now too and it's been pretty smooth so far. The hardest part was gathering all the employment info. Make sure you have start/end dates and wages for each job in the last 18 months.

The Washington ESD website has a pretty good checklist of what you need before you start the application. I'd recommend printing that out and gathering everything first rather than starting the app and having to stop halfway through.

also make sure your browser is up to date because the esd website is finicky about that stuff... learned that the hard way when my application kept erroring out

If you run into any issues during the filing process, don't give up! I had to start over twice because of technical glitches but eventually got it submitted. The system saves your progress as you go so you shouldn't lose everything if something goes wrong.

If you do need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim after you file, definitely consider using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. The regular phone lines are impossible to get through on most days. Worth having that option in your back pocket.

One more thing - after you submit your initial application, you'll get a confirmation number. Write that down somewhere safe! You might need it if you have to call about your claim.

The good news is once you get through the initial filing, the weekly claims are pretty quick and easy. Just answer a few questions about your job search and any work you did that week.

I remember being super nervous about filing my first claim but honestly it's not as complicated as it seems. Just take your time and read the questions carefully. You got this!

Make sure you're using the official Washington ESD website (.wa.gov) and not some third-party site that might charge you fees. The state doesn't charge anything to file for unemployment.

Final piece of advice - be patient with the process. It can feel overwhelming at first but thousands of people file successfully every week. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck.

i filed last month and got my first payment about 3 weeks later... not too bad considering all the horror stories i heard. just stay on top of your weekly claims!

The Washington ESD customer service can actually be helpful if you can get through to them. Had a question about my quarterly earnings and the agent walked me through exactly how to read the wage statement.