How to get Washington ESD unemployment benefits - complete application process?

Thank you! Do I need to have my W-2s or pay stubs ready when I apply?

You don't need them for the initial application, but having your employment dates and wages handy will make it go faster. Washington ESD will verify your wages with employers directly.

Good to know! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 2 weeks for me but that was during a slow period

Is that a paid service? I'm trying to be careful with money right now.

Yes it does cost something but honestly it saved me so much time and stress compared to calling for hours every day. Worth it when you actually need to reach someone.

never heard of that but might be worth looking into if the regular phone lines dont work

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

Currently it's 3 job search activities per week, but this can include applications, networking events, or career workshops. Check the WorkSource website for approved activities.

Wait I thought it was 5 job searches per week? When did they change it to 3?

It's been 3 for regular UI benefits for a while now. You might be thinking of a different program or an older requirement.

That's what I'm worried about! Did you eventually get through it okay?

yeah eventually but i had to start over like 3 times because i kept getting error messages

Good point! I was actually waiting to see if I heard back from a few applications first but I should probably just file now.

Definitely file now. Even if you get a job offer next week you can always stop claiming benefits.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

Adjudication just means they need to review something about your claim - usually the reason you became unemployed. If you were laid off or terminated through no fault of your own, it should be straightforward.

Exactly. In my friend's case his employer initially said he quit but he was actually laid off, so Washington ESD had to investigate.

What if I have a doctor's appointment or something during the week? Does that affect my eligibility?

Short appointments are usually fine as long as you're generally available for work. If you have extended medical issues that prevent you from working, that's different and you might need to look into other programs.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Their whole thing is getting you through to an actual person without the endless hold times.

might have to check that out because this is ridiculous

So I won't get paid for the first week even if I'm approved?

Correct, the first week is unpaid but you still need to file the weekly claim to establish your benefit year.

That seems like a long time ago. What if I made more money recently?

You can request to use an alternate base period if your recent wages would result in higher benefits, but you have to specifically ask for it.

It's actually $999 per week maximum as of 2025, but most people get way less than that.

How do they calculate how much you get?

It's roughly based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. There's a calculator on the Washington ESD website that can give you an estimate.

Good advice! Can I use a savings account or does it have to be checking?

Either should work but checking is usually faster for processing.

What kind of things do they verify?

Your wages, employment dates, reason for separation, and sometimes they'll contact your former employers directly.

Was it the Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier?

Yeah that's the one. Saved me a lot of frustration when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

What happens if I'm denied?

You can appeal the decision. The letter will explain your appeal rights and how to file an appeal if you disagree with their determination.

How exactly do I file the weekly claims? Is it the same website?

yeah same esd website, theres a section for weekly claims. you answer questions about job searches and any work you did that week

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I feel much more confident about starting the process now.

Good luck! Remember to keep detailed records of everything and don't hesitate to ask questions if you get stuck.

Is that different from the regular Washington ESD website login?

SAW is the state's unified login system. Once you have it, you can use it for unemployment, WorkSource, and other state services.

Seems like a lot of people have had success with that. Good to know there's an option if I need it.

Yeah the regular phone lines are basically useless during busy times. Having an alternative is definitely worth knowing about.