How to file for unemployment benefits in Washington - need step by step help

Do I need pay stubs or just the basic employer info? I don't have all my old pay stubs saved.

Just the basic info is fine for filing. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers directly. Pay stubs help but aren't required for the initial application.

This is so true! I spent hours trying to call them when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

What exactly do I need to do for the job search stuff? Do I have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Keep detailed records because they audit these.

Make sure you understand the difference between able and available too. You have to be physically able to work and available for work to qualify.

Pending usually means they need to verify something with your employer or there's an adjudication issue. Check your account for any alerts or documents they might need from you.

Have you tried calling the adjudication line specifically? The regular customer service line won't help with pending claims that are in adjudication.

Good to know! Should I file tonight then or wait until Sunday?

File as soon as possible. Every day you wait is money you're potentially losing. The system timing tip is just for when it's most reliable.

Wait what?? Nobody told me about a waiting week. How am I supposed to pay my bills?

The waiting week is just how the system works. You still need to file your weekly claim that first week, you just don't get paid for it. After that you'll get paid weekly if everything processes correctly.

this is exactly the kind of important info they should tell you upfront instead of burying it in fine print

What if I don't remember exact dates? I worked at a couple places over the last year and the dates are fuzzy.

Try to get as close as possible. Check your tax documents, bank statements, or old emails for clues. Washington ESD will verify with your employers anyway so small date errors usually get corrected automatically.

It's not a waste of time. Those weekly claims establish your ongoing eligibility. If you don't file them you won't get paid for those weeks even after your claim is approved.

ok that makes sense i guess. just seems inefficient

I was definitely laid off due to slow business, not fired. The whole restaurant had to cut staff. Should be straightforward then?

Yes, that's a textbook qualifying separation. Just be clear about the circumstances when you file and you should be fine.

Is that a separate website or part of the Washington ESD site?

Separate website - worksourcewa.com. You create a profile there and it connects to your unemployment claim. It's where you'll also log your job search activities.

Thanks for the heads up! I definitely would have put my take home pay by mistake.

How long was your claim stuck in adjudication? I'm worried mine will get delayed too.

Mine was stuck for almost 5 weeks before I used Claimyr to get through and find out they needed additional documentation from my previous employer. Once I knew what the issue was it got resolved in a few days.

Good advice! I'll make sure to save screenshots as I go through each step.

That's reassuring to hear. I've been putting it off because it seemed so overwhelming.

I totally get that. I procrastinated for almost a week before finally doing it. Wish I had filed sooner because you can't get backpay for the time before you file.

Do they always require identity verification or just sometimes?

not always but its pretty common especially for first time filers or if anything seems unusual about your claim

Should I try to call before filing if I have questions or file first then call?

File first. Getting through on the phone can take days or weeks, but you need to establish your claim date as soon as possible.

Seems like a lot of people have had success with that service. I'll keep it in mind if I run into problems.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting the process now.