How to file for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD - step by step process?

First thing you need to do is go to esd.wa.gov and create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The actual application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

Make sure you file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week and benefits are calculated from when you file, not when you lost your job. I waited two weeks after getting laid off and it delayed everything.

I just went through this process last month. After you submit your initial claim, you'll get a determination letter in about 7-10 days. If you have any issues or your claim gets stuck in adjudication, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them by phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's the complete process: 1) Create SAW account at secure.esd.wa.gov 2) File your initial claim online 3) Wait for your determination letter 4) Once approved, file weekly claims every Sunday 5) Complete your job search activities (3 per week minimum). Make sure you're available for work and actively seeking employment or your benefits can be denied.

ugh the washington esd website is terrible, took me forever to figure out where to even start filing

Don't forget you need to register with WorkSource too within 30 days of filing your claim. It's a separate system but required for unemployment benefits.

I filed three months ago and still dealing with adjudication issues. If your claim gets complicated, be prepared for a long wait. The phone lines are always busy and getting actual help is nearly impossible.

Make sure you have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup. Getting checks by mail takes forever and they can get lost.

The hardest part is the waiting. Even if everything goes perfect, you won't see money for at least 2-3 weeks after filing. Plan accordingly.

One thing nobody mentions - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, your claim might be more complicated. Washington ESD has to coordinate with other states which can delay things.

Pro tip: screenshot everything during the filing process. If there are any issues later, having records of what you submitted helps a lot.

The system goes down for maintenance every Sunday night so don't wait until the last minute to file your weekly claims. I missed a week because of that.

If you get denied for any reason, don't panic. You can appeal within 30 days and often get it overturned if you have good documentation.

Remember that unemployment is taxable income. You can have taxes withheld or pay quarterly but don't forget about it come tax time.

honestly the whole process is designed to make you give up. stick with it and keep trying if you run into problems. you earned these benefits

When I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my claim status, I ended up using Claimyr to help me connect with an agent. Worked way better than trying to call myself - saved me hours of frustration.

Just want to add that if your employer contests your claim, be prepared for adjudication which can take weeks or months. Keep all your documentation about why you lost your job.

Filed my claim six months ago and finally getting regular payments now. The system is slow but it does work eventually. Don't give up!