How to file for unemployment Washington ESD - need step by step help

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic job info like dates and employer names?

Just the basic info for the initial filing - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. They'll request more documentation if needed during adjudication.

I had the same issue until I found Claimyr - it's this service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

That actually sounds really helpful. How does it work exactly? Do they charge a lot for the service?

They basically handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

Wait, I have to start looking for jobs immediately? I thought I'd have some time to figure things out first.

You need to start job search activities the week after you file your claim. It's part of being 'able and available' for work. Don't skip this or your benefits can get cut off.

Actually, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, but you still need to file that first weekly claim even though you won't get paid for it. The job search requirement kicks in right away though.

6 weeks?? How did you survive that long without income? This is exactly what I'm worried about.

had to borrow money from family and use credit cards. the system is designed to frustrate people into giving up

What counts as a valid reason for separation? I was laid off due to slow business, not fired for cause.

Layoff due to lack of work is definitely a qualifying reason. Just make sure you select 'lack of work/layoff' when they ask about separation reason. Don't put 'quit' even if you saw it coming.

This is super helpful! What happens during the phone interview? Should I be worried about that?

The phone interview is just to verify your employment information and separation reason. As long as you were laid off legitimately, it's nothing to worry about. They usually call within the first week or two after filing.

Good point! I'll definitely do that. Have you had the website crash on you before?

Yeah, especially on Sunday evenings when everyone's filing their weekly claims. Try to file earlier in the day if possible.

I keep seeing people mention this service. Is it legit? Seems too good to be true that someone can actually get through to Washington ESD consistently.

It's totally legit. They basically have people whose job it is to call and wait on hold all day. When they get an agent, they conference you in. Much better than wasting your own time on hold.

I didn't even think about taxes! Should I definitely have them withheld or just save money separately?

I'd recommend having them withheld. It's easy to spend that money when you're tight on cash, then get hit with a big tax bill later.

Washington ESD uses your highest-earning quarter from the last 18 months. The weekly benefit is roughly 3.85% of that quarter's earnings, up to a maximum of $999 per week in 2025. Most people get somewhere between $200-600 per week.

That's actually not too bad. At least it would cover my basic expenses while I look for work.

What if you got laid off but your employer is saying it was for performance issues? Would that disqualify you?

That would likely trigger an adjudication review where Washington ESD investigates both sides. You'd have a chance to present your case. Document everything and be honest about the circumstances.

Thanks for the encouragement! It's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through it successfully.

What if I do some gig work like DoorDash? Do I need to report that too?

Yes, absolutely report all gig income. Washington ESD has ways of cross-referencing with other agencies, so it's not worth trying to hide anything.

This is super important. I know someone who got caught not reporting Uber income and had to pay back months of benefits plus penalties.

You can request backdating for good cause, but you'll need to provide documentation of why you couldn't file on time. Being out of town might qualify depending on the circumstances.

I was at a family emergency out of state. Hopefully that counts as good cause.

How quickly do they usually get you connected? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for over a week about my claim.

They got me connected within a few hours. Way faster than the weeks I spent trying to call myself.

Do applications through job websites count toward the 3 weekly contacts? Or do I need to do something more direct?

online applications definitely count! just make sure you keep records of what jobs you applied for, when, and through what method

You're right, I'm probably making it more complicated in my head than it actually is. Thanks for the perspective!

Definitely doing direct deposit! I need the money as fast as possible. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice, I feel much more confident about filing now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Same here! It's nice to know there's a community of people willing to help each other navigate this stuff.