How to file for unemployment online with Washington ESD - step by step help needed

You'll need to go to esd.wa.gov and create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first. The actual filing process is under 'Apply for Benefits' but make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months ready - employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation. The site will ask for your SSN, driver's license, and bank info for direct deposit.

The online application usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. After you submit it, you'll get a confirmation and then have to wait for them to process it. Mine took about 2 weeks to get approved but that was during a busy time.

If you run into issues with the Washington ESD website or need to speak with someone about your claim, I found Claimyr really helpful. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents by phone - they have a system that calls for you and connects you when an agent is available. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Make sure you file within the first week of being unemployed! I waited 3 weeks thinking I might find another job and lost out on those benefits. Washington ESD doesn't backdate claims unless you have a really good reason. The waiting week is built into the system but you still need to file that first week.

Quick tip - when you're filling out the online application, take your time with the separation reason section. If you put the wrong reason it can delay your claim. 'Lack of work' is different from 'laid off' which is different from 'quit'. Make sure you pick the right one for your situation.

ugh this whole process is such a nightmare. took me 3 tries to get through the application because the website kept timing out. and then they wanted more info about my last job and i had to mail in documents. just be prepared for it to take forever

After you complete the initial application online, you'll need to complete the weekly claim filing every week. This is separate from the initial application - you'll log back into your account each week and answer questions about your job search activities and any work you did that week. Missing weekly claims is the biggest mistake people make.

One thing that helped me was writing down my login info immediately after creating the SAW account. You'll be logging in every week so don't lose that info. Also bookmark the direct login page because sometimes the main ESD site has issues but the direct login still works.

just a heads up the job search requirements are pretty strict now. you need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep records. they can audit you at any time so dont mess around with that part

If you end up needing to call Washington ESD for any reason during the process, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through on the phone. Claimyr got me connected to an agent the same day I used their service. Really saved me a lot of stress and time.

Another tip - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state or file a combined wage claim. The online system will usually tell you if this applies to you, but it's something to be aware of.

Make sure you understand the difference between your benefit year and your claim. Your benefit year is 12 months from when you first file. You can have multiple claims within that benefit year if you go back to work and then become unemployed again. The online system tracks all of this automatically.

honestly the whole online system is a mess. half the time i cant log in and when i can the pages load super slow. but its still better than trying to call them i guess

One more important thing - after you file online, you'll get a monetary determination letter (usually by mail) that shows your benefit amount and benefit year dates. Keep this letter safe as you'll need it for reference. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period.

If your claim gets held up in adjudication (which happens sometimes), don't panic. Keep filing your weekly claims and document everything. Adjudication just means they need to review something about your claim - could be employer dispute, eligibility question, or just routine verification.

Just wanted to add that you should set up direct deposit during the application process. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail. The direct deposit info is part of the online application.

Final note about getting help - if you run into any issues during the online filing process or after submitting your claim, Claimyr has been a lifesaver for me and others I know. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person at ESD and their regular phone system is impossible. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it works.

Update: I got through the application! It took about 40 minutes like someone mentioned. Now I just wait for the confirmation and start filing weekly claims. Thanks everyone for walking me through it step by step.