How to file for unemployment with Washington ESD - completely lost on where to start

Everything is done online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first - that's the login system the state uses for most services. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months ready before you start.

Don't stress too much about having everything perfect when you file. You can always add missing info later if Washington ESD needs it. The most important thing is to 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 was in your exact situation 6 months ago and felt completely lost too. After struggling for hours trying to get through to Washington ESD on the phone to ask basic questions, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me connected to a real agent who walked me through everything. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much stress honestly.

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington account if you don't have one 3) Complete the unemployment application - this takes about 30-45 minutes 4) Wait for your monetary determination letter 5) File your first weekly claim the Sunday after you apply 6) Continue filing weekly claims every week to get paid. The key is being honest and accurate with all your info.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare to navigate when you're already stressed about losing your job. I made so many mistakes on my first application because the questions are confusing

Also make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start getting benefits. You'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Washington ESD can audit your job search record at any time.

Pro tip: take screenshots of every page during your application process. If something goes wrong later you'll have proof of what you submitted. I learned this the hard way when my claim got messed up and I had no record of what I originally put.

The whole SecureAccess Washington thing tripped me up at first. You have to verify your identity with them before you can even access the unemployment application. Have a photo of your driver's license ready on your phone because you'll need to upload it.

I'm going through this process right now too and it's so confusing! The application asks about your 'base period' but doesn't really explain what that means clearly.

Don't forget you'll need to set up direct deposit or they'll mail you a debit card for payments. Direct deposit is way faster - like 2-3 days vs up to 10 days for the card to arrive in the mail.

Honestly if you're feeling overwhelmed, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does help. I was spinning my wheels for days trying to figure everything out on my own. Sometimes it's worth paying a little to save yourself the headache and make sure you do it right the first time.

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial application is still being processed. You can't go back and claim weeks you missed, so don't skip any weeks thinking you'll do them later.

The worst part is if you make a mistake they don't just let you fix it online. You have to call or sometimes even appeal to get things corrected. And good luck getting through on the phone lines - they're always busy.

One thing that confused me was the difference between being laid off vs fired vs quitting. Make sure you select the right reason for separation because it affects whether you're eligible for benefits.

Also heads up that you might need to do a phone interview if there are any questions about your claim. They call it an 'eligibility interview' and it can happen weeks after you apply.

I'll be honest with you - the whole process is pretty intimidating when you've never done it before. But thousands of people file every week so it can't be that impossible. Just take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Last tip - keep track of all your passwords and login info for SecureAccess Washington. If you get locked out of your account it's a huge pain to get back in, and you need to file those weekly claims every week without fail.