How to file for unemployment online - Washington ESD website confusing me

You'll want to go directly to secure.esd.wa.gov and click on 'Apply for Benefits' - that's the main portal for filing your initial claim. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready before you start.

The Washington ESD online system can be tricky at first. Here's what worked for me: 1) Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't have one, 2) Log in and select 'Unemployment Insurance Services', 3) Click 'File New Claim', 4) Follow the prompts step by step. Don't rush through it - some questions are worded confusingly.

The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know where to go. First, you'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't already have one. That's your gateway to all Washington state services including unemployment. Then you go to the Washington ESD website and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. The actual application walks you through everything step by step - work history, reason for separation, etc. Just make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records handy before you start.

honestly the whole washington esd website is a mess... took me like 3 tries to get through the application without it timing out. make sure you save your progress frequently and dont leave the page open too long or you'll get logged out automatically

I had so much trouble with the Washington ESD phone lines when I was trying to get help with my application. Kept getting busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Was a lifesaver when I needed to talk to someone about my claim.

Just a heads up - the Washington ESD website can be really slow during peak times, especially Monday mornings and early afternoons. If you're having trouble getting through or the site keeps timing out, try filing late at night or early morning. I spent 3 hours trying to file on a Monday afternoon before I figured that out.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your application, there's actually a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an agent. I found out about it when I was stuck in adjudication hell for weeks. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically they handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

One important thing - make sure you apply in the first week after your last day of work if possible. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, but if you delay filing it can affect your benefit start date. Also, you'll need to file weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed.

Make sure you file your application as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's no waiting period in Washington but you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file. Also, you'll need to start doing your weekly claims right away even if your initial claim is still processing.

One thing that tripped me up was the job search requirements. Washington requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of them. You can do this through WorkSourceWA or keep your own records, but make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search activity before you start filing your weekly claims.

The employment history section was the hardest part for me. You need exact dates and if you don't remember them perfectly, it can slow down your claim processing. I had to dig through old emails and tax documents to get the right information.

Make sure you answer the questions about why you left your job very carefully. If you put the wrong reason, it could trigger an adjudication review which can take weeks to resolve.

also heads up the system is usually slower on mondays because everyone tries to file their weekly claims then. try to do it tuesday or wednesday if you can

ugh the whole system is so confusing. I tried filing last month and got stuck on some question about why I left my job. There were like 10 different options and none of them seemed to fit my situation exactly. ended up just picking the closest one and hoping for the best

I'm going through this process right now too. One thing that helped me was having all my documents ready before I started - driver's license, social security card, bank account info for direct deposit, and a list of all my employers from the last 18 months with addresses and phone numbers.

After you submit your initial application, you should get a determination letter in about 10-14 days (sometimes longer if it goes to adjudication). This will tell you your weekly benefit amount and whether you're approved. Don't panic if it takes a while - Washington ESD is pretty backed up right now.

Here's a tip nobody tells you - take screenshots of every page as you're filling out your application. If the system crashes or times out (which happens a lot), you'll have a record of what you entered. I learned this the hard way after having to start over three times.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim and can never get through. The phone system is horrible - you either get disconnected or sit on hold forever. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human being there?

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA as part of the job search requirements. It's a separate website but you can use your same SecureAccess Washington login. You'll need to create a profile there and use it to track your job search activities.

The whole process is honestly pretty overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job. Take your time with the application and don't be afraid to call if you get stuck, even though the phone lines are terrible.

Quick question - does filing online automatically set you up for direct deposit or do you have to do that separately?

One more tip - screenshot or print the confirmation page after you submit your application. The confirmation number is important if you need to reference your claim later.

Just want to add - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state depending on where you earned the most money. Washington ESD will help you figure this out but it's something to be aware of before you start the application.

The Washington ESD website has a checklist of what you need before you start filing. I'd recommend going through that first - it's under the 'Before You Apply' section. Having everything ready makes the process much smoother.

whatever you do dont lie on the application. I know someone who got caught lying about why they left their job and now they have to pay back everything plus penalties. Washington ESD checks with employers so they'll find out

Once you submit your application, you should get a confirmation page with important information. Print that out or save it as a PDF. It has details about when to file your first weekly claim and other important deadlines.

If your claim goes into adjudication (which means they need to investigate something), that's when you'll definitely need to talk to Washington ESD. The automated system won't give you details about what they need or how long it will take.

Pro tip: keep track of all your passwords and security questions for both SecureAccess Washington and WorkSourceWA. If you get locked out of either system, it can delay your weekly claims while you wait for account recovery.

One last thing - after you file your initial claim, you'll get a handbook in the mail with all the rules and requirements. Actually read it! It explains everything about job search requirements, reporting requirements, and what can disqualify you.

thanks everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about filing now. Going to gather all my employment info tonight and file first thing tomorrow morning when the system is less busy.

The job search requirements start right away too, even while your claim is processing. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a record of them. Washington ESD can ask to see your job search log at any time.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to ask questions during your application, I heard about this thing called Claimyr that basically calls for you and gets you connected to an agent. Might be worth checking out if you get stuck.

Just wanted to add - if you're confused about any of the questions during the application, there are usually little help icons (question marks) next to them that give more detailed explanations. I missed those at first and had to go back and correct some answers.

honestly just be patient with the whole thing. i know its frustrating when you need money but rushing through it and making mistakes will just slow things down more

Good luck with your application! The first time is definitely the hardest. Once you get through the initial filing and start doing your weekly claims, it becomes much more routine.

Make sure you also register with WorkSource Washington if you haven't already. It's required for unemployment benefits and you can do it online at worksourcewa.com. Plus it actually has some decent job search tools.

The system also asks about your availability for work and any restrictions you might have. Be honest but don't over-restrict yourself - it can affect your eligibility if you're too limited in what work you'll accept.