How to file unemployment online with Washington ESD - complete walkthrough needed

Thanks! Do I need exact dates for all my previous jobs or just approximate?

Exact dates are better if you have them. Washington ESD will verify your employment history anyway, so being accurate upfront prevents delays later.

What kind of error messages were you getting? I'm worried about running into the same issues.

something about my SSN not matching their records or whatever. turns out i had to clear my browser cache and try again

That sounds helpful but I'm hoping to just file online without needing to call anyone. Is that realistic?

Yes, most people can file completely online! I only mentioned the phone option in case you run into issues that need clarification.

How long is too long? I was laid off two weeks ago but haven't filed yet because I was hoping something would come up.

You can still file but your benefits might not start until the week you actually filed, not when you became unemployed. File ASAP to avoid losing those weeks.

wait what?? i thought you had like a month or something to file. this is news to me

This is exactly what I needed, thank you! About how long does the whole application take?

Usually 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Take your time and double-check everything before submitting.

Report ALL employers from the last 18 months, even part-time ones. Washington ESD needs your complete work history to calculate your benefit amount correctly.

Good to know, I almost would have left out my weekend job thinking it didn't matter.

Smart advice! I learned this the hard way with other government websites.

That's usually the right choice for most layoffs. The specific reason affects whether you need to serve a waiting period or if there are any disqualifications.

Yeah, I was worried about picking the wrong one and messing up my claim somehow.

You can save and return later, but I'd recommend finishing it in one session if possible. Sometimes the system times out and you lose progress anyway.

ok good to know, i'll make sure i have like an hour blocked out to do it all

How do the weekly claims work? Is that also online?

Yes, also through your SAW account. You answer questions about any work you did that week, job search activities, and confirm you're still unemployed and able to work.

What if I can't remember exactly when I started at a job? Will that cause problems?

Washington ESD will verify with your employers anyway, so close approximations are usually fine. Just be as accurate as you can.

What kind of errors did you keep running into?

mostly timeout issues and some pages not loading right. classic government website problems lol

Do they actually check the job search log or is it more of an honor system?

They can audit you at any time and ask for proof of your job search activities. Better to keep detailed records from the start.

The distinction is important for your eligibility. Laid off = lack of work (usually eligible), fired = misconduct (might be disqualified), quit = voluntary (usually disqualified unless for good cause).

That makes sense, I was definitely laid off due to lack of work so I should be fine.

You should get a monetary determination letter within 7-10 business days that shows your benefit amount and eligibility. If there are any issues that need investigation, it could take longer.

Okay that's not too bad, I was worried it would take weeks or months.

good point, i was tempted to fudge some dates but probably not worth the risk

That's good to know as a backup option. Hopefully I won't need it but nice to know it exists.

I was skeptical about using a third party service but honestly it worked great when I had adjudication issues that needed explaining.

That's reassuring! I tend to overthink things too, especially when it comes to government stuff.

Yeah just take it one screen at a time and you'll be fine. The hardest part is just getting started.

Wait, so I should file weekly claims even before I know if I'm approved?

Yes, exactly. You need to file for every week you want to claim benefits for, even during the processing period.

Perfect, thank you everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about filing now.

Good luck! The process really isn't as scary as it seems at first.