How to get my unemployment benefits approved through Washington ESD

First thing - go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits' to start your initial claim. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for job separation. After your claim is filed, you have to file weekly claims every week to get paid, even while your claim is being processed.

Make sure you have all your employer info ready - dates of employment, wages, and exact reason you left each job. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers so be accurate. Also you'll need to register with WorkSource within a few weeks of filing.

I went through this same process last month and honestly the hardest part was actually talking to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. Their phone lines are constantly busy and I kept getting disconnected. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. WorkSource has good resources for this.

The Washington ESD system is honestly a nightmare. Be prepared for weeks of waiting and confusion. My claim took 6 weeks to get approved because they said they needed to 'verify' my employment even though I provided everything they asked for.

Here's the step-by-step: 1) File initial claim at esd.wa.gov 2) Register with WorkSource WA 3) File weekly claims every week 4) Do your 3 job searches per week 5) Keep detailed records of everything. Most importantly, don't skip any weekly claims even if your initial claim isn't approved yet.

i filed 3 weeks ago and still havent heard anything back from them. starting to panic about bills

Pro tip: Screenshot everything as you go through the application process. Save confirmation numbers, print your weekly claim confirmations, keep records of all job search activities. If anything goes wrong, you'll need this documentation.

Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. Your weekly amount is what you get each week if approved. The maximum is the total you can receive over the entire benefit year.

Just a warning - if your claim goes into 'adjudication' status, prepare for a long wait. Mine was stuck there for weeks with zero communication about what they needed from me.

Don't forget to file your weekly claims on the same day each week if possible. I do mine every Sunday morning so I don't forget. Missing a week can cause problems.

The WorkSource registration is really important. You need to create a profile and upload your resume within I think 4 weeks of filing your initial claim. They'll cut off your benefits if you don't do this.

Keep detailed records of your job search activities. Date, company name, position applied for, how you applied (online, in person, etc.). Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

honestly the whole system is set up to make you give up. took me calling literally hundreds of times before i got through to anyone

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file an interstate claim. This can complicate things so make sure Washington ESD knows about all your work history.

Good luck! The process is frustrating but it does work eventually. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements while you wait for approval.

Summary for OP: File initial claim ASAP, register with WorkSource, start weekly claims immediately, do 3 job searches per week, keep detailed records, and be patient but persistent. The system works but it takes time.

Also make sure you have a backup plan for your finances while waiting. Unemployment benefits are meant to be temporary assistance, not a long-term solution.

The most important thing is to start the process immediately. Every day you wait is money you're potentially losing. Washington ESD benefits don't typically go back before the date you file your initial claim.

Just remember to answer all questions honestly on your application. If Washington ESD finds out you lied about anything, they can disqualify you and even make you pay back benefits.