How to fill out unemployment online Washington ESD application - confused about the process

The Washington ESD online application isn't too bad once you know what to expect. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, reason for leaving), and bank account info if you want direct deposit. Start at esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link.

Make sure you have all your employer information written down first! I started filling it out and realized I didn't remember my supervisor's name from 2 jobs ago and had to stop halfway through.

The trickiest part is usually the 'reason for separation' section. Be honest but choose the option that best fits your situation. If you were laid off, select 'lack of work.' If you quit, you'll need to explain why in detail since that affects your eligibility.

Honestly, if you're struggling with the online application, you might want to try calling Washington ESD directly. I know their phone lines are busy, but sometimes it's easier to have someone walk you through it. I actually found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when I needed help with my application.

ugh the online system is SO confusing!! I spent 2 hours trying to figure out how to upload my documents and kept getting error messages. finally gave up and tried again the next day and it worked fine. maybe their system was just overloaded?

One thing they don't tell you upfront - after you submit your initial application, you'll need to file weekly claims to actually get paid. The application just establishes your eligibility. Don't forget to come back every week to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Pro tip: take screenshots of each page as you fill it out, especially the confirmation page at the end. If something goes wrong or you need to reference what you submitted, you'll have proof.

Make sure you're using the right website - esd.wa.gov is the official Washington ESD site. There are some scammy sites that look similar but aren't the real deal.

Also, if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state depending on where you earned the most wages. Washington ESD can help you figure out which state you should file in if you're not sure.

The application asks for your 'base period' wages - this is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. Don't worry if you don't understand this part, Washington ESD will calculate it automatically based on your work history.

Does anyone know if you can save your progress and come back later? I started filling it out but realized I need to dig up some old pay stubs.

Just want to mention that if you have any issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone for questions about your application, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical too but it got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait times.

One more tip - make sure your contact information is accurate! I put in my old phone number by mistake and missed important calls from Washington ESD about my claim. Had to update it later which was a hassle.

The hardest part for me was the work search requirements section. You have to agree to look for work and register with WorkSource, but they explain what you need to do right there in the application.

I'm going through this process right now too and it's definitely overwhelming at first. But honestly once you start filling it out, it's pretty straightforward. Just take your time and read each question carefully.

Don't stress too much about getting everything perfect - if Washington ESD needs clarification on anything, they'll contact you. It's better to submit your application sooner rather than waiting until you have every tiny detail perfect.

After you submit, you'll get a confirmation with your claim number. Keep that number safe! You'll need it for everything related to your claim going forward.

If you run into technical issues with the website, try a different browser or clear your cache. The Washington ESD site seems to work better with Chrome or Firefox than Internet Explorer.

Overall, just be patient with yourself and the process. It might seem daunting but thousands of people successfully file for unemployment benefits online every week. You got this!

One last thing - after you submit your application, it might take a few days to get your first determination letter. Don't panic if you don't hear anything immediately. The waiting is normal.