How to file unemployment benefits in Washington - need step by step help

You can file your initial claim immediately - don't wait! Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The weekly claims come after your initial application is approved.

The process isn't too bad once you get started. Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't have one. Then complete the initial application - it takes about 30-45 minutes. Make sure you answer all questions honestly, especially about why you left your job. After you submit, you'll get a determination letter in about a week telling you if you're approved and for how much.

I just went through this process last month and honestly the hardest part was getting through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. The phone lines are constantly busy and I kept getting disconnected. If you run into issues with your application or need to talk to someone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

make sure you file ASAP because there's a waiting week in washington. you dont get paid for the first week so the sooner you file the sooner that week is over with

Once your initial claim is approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments. This is super important - you have to certify each week that you're still unemployed and looking for work. Miss a week and you won't get paid for that week. The weekly claims ask about any work you did and any money you earned.

The job search requirements are important too! In Washington you need to make 3 job search contacts per week once your benefits start. Keep a log of where you applied, when, and any follow-up. Washington ESD can audit this anytime.

I'm going through this process right now too. Been waiting 2 weeks for my determination letter and getting anxious. The online status just says 'processing' with no other details.

PRO TIP: When filling out the application, be very detailed about your work history dates. If you're even slightly off on start/end dates, they might flag your claim for review which adds weeks to processing time. Double check everything before submitting.

The Washington ESD system has definitely improved over the years but it's still not perfect. Sometimes the website goes down during peak times (Sunday evenings when everyone files weekly claims). Don't panic if you can't access it - just try again later.

If your employer contests your claim saying you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily, your case will go to adjudication. This can take several weeks to resolve. Be prepared to provide your side of the story with any documentation you have.

been unemployed before and the whole process gave me so much anxiety. constantly worrying about doing something wrong and losing benefits. just remember the washington esd workers are there to help even if it doesnt always feel that way

Another thing - if you do any part-time or gig work while collecting unemployment, you MUST report it on your weekly claims. Even if it's just a few hours or small amount of money. Failure to report work can result in overpayment notices later.

Just wanted to follow up on my earlier comment about Claimyr - I used them again this week when I had questions about reporting some part-time work I picked up. Got through to an Washington ESD agent in about 10 minutes instead of spending hours trying to call. Really worth it when you need actual help.

For what it's worth, I filed my claim online last year and it went pretty smoothly. The key is having all your information organized before you start. Make a list of all your employers, dates, and reasons for leaving each job. The application times out if you take too long.

The Washington unemployment system is honestly pretty reasonable compared to other states. Benefits can be decent if you had good wages, and they don't make you jump through too many hoops. Just follow the rules and file everything on time.

One more tip - keep copies/screenshots of everything you submit. If there are any issues later, having documentation of what you filed and when can save you a lot of headaches.

I had issues with my claim getting stuck in adjudication for 6 weeks last year. Turned out to be a simple misunderstanding about my separation reason, but it took forever to resolve. If something similar happens to you, don't give up - keep calling and asking for updates.

Good luck with your application! Most people get approved without major issues. The waiting is the hardest part but once you're in the system and filing weekly claims it becomes routine.

Just remember to be patient with the process. Washington ESD handles thousands of claims and sometimes things take longer than expected. But the benefits are there to help you get back on your feet, so don't let the bureaucracy discourage you from applying.