How to get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD - step by step process?

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or can I just estimate my wages? I don't have all my old pay stubs saved.

You don't need pay stubs for the initial application. Washington ESD will verify your wages through employer records. Just provide the best information you can remember about your earnings.

How long does it usually take to get approved and receive the first payment?

If there are no issues with your claim, you should get your first payment within 2-3 weeks. But if your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, it can take much longer.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked great for me. I was able to get my questions answered about my claim status instead of just guessing what was happening.

That usually means your claim is in adjudication. There might be an issue that needs to be resolved, like a question about why you were separated from your job.

but i was laid off, not fired. shouldn't that be straightforward?

It should be, but sometimes employers report the separation differently than what actually happened. You might need to call and get clarification.

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

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking activities, or other approved job search activities.

Wait, so I lose a whole week of benefits just because of when I file?

No, you don't lose it. There's just a one-week waiting period before benefits start. It's like a deductible period. You still get the same total number of weeks of benefits.

I did get a small severance payment. Do I report that when I file my initial claim or when I file weekly claims?

Report it when you file your weekly claims for the weeks that the severance covers. Washington ESD considers severance as wages, so it might affect your benefits for those weeks.

What day of the week do I need to file my weekly claim?

You can file your weekly claim starting Sunday morning for the previous week. I recommend filing the same day every week so you don't forget.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - it automatically calls and waits in the queue for you, then calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me so much time and frustration.

how much does something like that cost though?

It's worth it when you're trying to get your benefits sorted out. Way cheaper than missing weeks of unemployment payments because you can't get through to anyone.

You can receive Washington unemployment benefits while living in another state temporarily. You just need to have worked in Washington and meet the other eligibility requirements.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried I'd have to move back immediately.

Should I have taxes withheld or pay them later?

I'd recommend having them withheld if you can afford the lower payment. Otherwise you might owe a big tax bill next year.

That's actually not as long as I thought it would take. I was putting it off because I thought it would take hours.

Nope, it's pretty efficient once you have all your information ready. The longest part is gathering your employment history details.

What's the best way to keep track of job search activities?

I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, employer, position, how I applied, and any follow-up. WorkSource Washington also has tools to help track your job search.

I had a few months where I was doing gig work through apps. Do I need to report that?

Yes, you should report all work including gig work. It might affect your benefit calculation, but it's better to be upfront about it.

How do they calculate the exact amount I'll get?

It's based on your highest-earning quarter during your base period. The formula is a bit complex, but the website has a benefit estimator tool you can use.

How long does the appeal process take?

Mine took about 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the decision. But I got back-paid for all the weeks I was waiting, so it worked out.

Part-time workers can definitely qualify for unemployment benefits. It depends on your total earnings during the base period, not whether you were full-time or part-time.

oh good! i was worried i'd wasted time even looking into this

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

You're welcome! Remember to file your claim as soon as possible and don't hesitate to reach out if you run into any issues.

Good to know there's a backup option if I can't reach anyone through the regular phone system. Thanks for sharing your experience!

No problem! The video demo on their site really shows how much easier it makes the whole process of actually talking to someone at Washington ESD.