How to file new claim for unemployment with Washington ESD - confused about process

First thing - don't panic! Filing is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for 'Apply for Benefits' - that's your starting point.

Make sure you apply ASAP because there's a waiting week and benefits don't start until the week after you file. Also you have to do it online now - they don't take paper applications anymore.

The whole process took me about 45 minutes when I filed mine. One tip - if you get stuck or the system kicks you out, try using a different browser. I had issues with Chrome but Firefox worked fine. Also write down your confirmation number when you finish!

Just went through this myself last month. One thing that really helped when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD by phone was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

ugh the washington esd website is such a mess... took me forever to find the right page and then it kept timing out. good luck!

Few more important things: Make sure you answer the job separation question correctly - since you were laid off due to lack of work, that should be straightforward. Don't say you quit or were fired. Also, you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirement, but you can do that after filing your initial claim.

I filed mine 3 weeks ago and it's still pending in adjudication. Apparently they have to verify everything with your employer which can take weeks. Just be prepared that it might not be approved right away.

Pro tip: Screenshot every page as you go through the application process. If something goes wrong or you need to reference what you submitted, you'll have a record. I learned this the hard way when I had questions later and couldn't remember exactly what I'd entered.

The system is so slow right now too. Don't do it during peak hours like lunch time or right after work. I filed mine at like 6am and it went much faster.

Make sure you have your bank account info ready if you want direct deposit. Otherwise you'll get a debit card mailed to you which takes longer. Also double check your address is correct because that's where they'll send important notices.

Been there! One thing that helped me was writing out all my employment info on paper first before starting the online application. Dates, addresses, supervisor names, etc. Made it go much smoother when I wasn't trying to remember everything while filling out forms.

The washington esd phone system is basically useless. I tried calling 40+ times over two days and never got through. Finally used one of those callback services someone mentioned earlier - Claimyr I think? Worked great, got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of wasting whole days trying to call.

Just remember you have to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits, even while your initial claim is being processed. Don't miss those or you'll lose benefits for that week!

Here's what worked for me: 1) Gather all employment info first 2) Use Firefox browser 3) File early morning 4) Screenshot everything 5) Set up direct deposit 6) Register for WorkSource within a few days. The whole process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started.

One last thing - if you run into problems during the application or need to check on your claim status later, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first but it got me through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them any other way. Way less stressful than trying to call yourself.