How to file new unemployment claim with Washington ESD - step by step help needed

Start by going to esd.wa.gov and clicking 'Apply for Benefits.' You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. Have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready - including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation.

The application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Make sure you file during your first week of unemployment - there's a waiting week but you still need to file that first weekly claim. Don't wait or you might lose benefits.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my application. If you run into issues or need to talk to someone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Make sure you answer all questions honestly, especially about why you were separated from your job. If it was a layoff due to lack of work, that's straightforward. If there were other circumstances, be truthful because Washington ESD will verify everything with your employer.

ugh the whole process is such a pain! took me forever to figure out how to navigate their terrible website. why cant they make it easier???

After you submit your initial application, you'll get a monetary determination letter showing your weekly benefit amount. This usually comes within 10-14 days. Then you need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. Don't skip weeks even if you're not sure about eligibility.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This starts immediately when you begin claiming benefits. Use WorkSourceWA.com to track your job searches - it connects directly to your unemployment account.

One thing that caught me off guard - if your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, it can take weeks to resolve. I waited 6 weeks before I could get through to someone at Washington ESD to explain what was happening. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier would have saved me a lot of stress.

File online if possible - it's faster than phone or mail applications. The system is usually less busy early morning or late evening. Have patience with the website, it can be slow during peak times.

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I always have them withheld to avoid a big tax bill later.

If you have any specific questions after filing, the best time to call Washington ESD is right when they open at 8am. Lines get jammed pretty quickly after that. Though honestly, using something like Claimyr might be easier than trying to time your calls perfectly.

Make sure to keep copies of everything - your application, any correspondence from Washington ESD, job search logs, etc. If issues come up later you'll need that documentation.

The whole system is designed to make you give up. I filed 3 times before getting it right because their error messages are so vague. Hang in there and don't let them discourage you from getting the benefits you've earned!

Once your claim is active, file your weekly claims every Sunday for the previous week. Don't wait - there are deadlines and you could lose benefits for late filing. Set a reminder on your phone.

I went through this process last year and the most important thing is to be patient. It's frustrating but the system does work eventually. Having all your employment info organized ahead of time is the biggest time-saver.

Good luck with your application! One more tip - if you're working any part-time or temporary jobs while collecting benefits, make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claims. Even small amounts need to be reported. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but it's better to be honest upfront than deal with overpayment issues later. The system can be overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it once you file a few weekly claims.