How to get an unemployment check from Washington ESD - new to the system

Thanks! Do I need to wait for approval before I can start filing weekly claims?

No, you can file your first weekly claim the Sunday after you submit your initial application. Just make sure you're actively job searching.

What documents do I need exactly? I have my last paystub but that's about it.

You'll need employment dates, employer addresses, gross wages, and reason for separation for each job in the last 18 months. If you were fired, be honest about why.

Is that legitimate? I'm worried about scams with all this unemployment stuff.

Yeah it's real. They just help you get through the phone system, they don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy. I was skeptical too but it worked.

I've heard of Claimyr too, seems like a lot of people are using it when they can't reach Washington ESD directly.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

It's when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - like if you quit vs were fired, or if there are questions about your eligibility. Don't panic if it happens, just be patient.

My claim was in adjudication for 6 weeks! Nearly drove me crazy but it finally got resolved.

Wait, you can lose payments permanently? That's terrifying.

Yes, you only get paid for weeks you actually file claims. So even if your initial claim is pending, keep filing weekly claims to preserve those benefit weeks.

3 per week seems like a lot. What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, updating your resume, taking WorkSource workshops. They have a list on the Washington ESD website.

Just make sure you keep detailed records. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time and if you can't prove you did the activities, they'll make you pay back benefits.

Two months?! I can't wait that long to pay bills.

hopefully yours goes smoother than mine did. mine got flagged for some identity verification thing that took forever

Good to know! I'll definitely do direct deposit.

yeah the paper checks are slow as hell, learned that the hard way

Do I have to register immediately or can I wait a few days?

You have to register within a certain timeframe but I'd do it right away to be safe. Better to get it out of the way.

How do I find out what my benefit amount will be?

Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter after you file that shows your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you're eligible for.

The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So recent wage increases might not count toward your benefit amount.

How much does something like that cost?

I'd rather not get into pricing details here, but check their website. For me it was worth it because I was losing sleep over not being able to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

Did you have any major issues during your application?

Yeah, they needed additional documentation about my job separation. Took about 3 weeks to resolve but once it was fixed, payments started coming regularly.

So I might get multiple weeks of payments at once when it finally goes through?

Exactly. You'll get back pay for all the weeks you filed claims for, assuming you were eligible.

What kind of things do people lie about that get them in trouble?

Usually about why they lost their job, whether they're working part-time, or their job search activities. Just be truthful about everything.

this is so important!! i know someone who had to pay back thousands because they weren't honest about some side work they were doing

How long do you have to appeal if you get denied?

I think it's 30 days from the date on the determination letter, but don't quote me on that. Check the letter for exact deadlines.

Good tip! I'll keep that in mind if I run into website problems.

That's smart. I'll start a file right away.

yes! keeping records saved me when they questioned some of my job search activities months later

Thanks for saying that. This whole process feels overwhelming but you've all been really helpful.

We've all been there! Once you get through the initial setup, the weekly claims become routine.

What happens if you just stop filing without reporting that you found work?

It can cause issues later if you need to file again. Better to properly close out your claim by reporting your return to work.

Thank you everyone! I feel much more prepared to start this process now. Going to file my initial claim this weekend.

And remember, if you can't get through to Washington ESD when you need help, Claimyr is there as a backup option. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person.