How to get unemployment check from Washington ESD - confused about the process

Do I need pay stubs or just the employer info? I think I threw away some of my old pay stubs.

You don't need pay stubs for the initial application, but keep any you have. Washington ESD will verify your wages with employers directly.

How do I file weekly claims? Is that different from the initial application?

Yeah, weekly claims are separate. You log into your account every week and answer questions about whether you worked, looked for work, etc. Miss a week and you don't get paid for that week.

This is why I used Claimyr when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD to ask about my weekly claims. They have a service that calls for you - check out claimyr.com. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online?

Online applications count, but also networking contacts, job fairs, interviews, contacting employers directly. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and contact methods.

Same here! I've been calling for days and either get busy signals or sit on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. They actually get through to Washington ESD agents for you. Saved me so much time and frustration.

What would cause my claim to go into adjudication? I was laid off, not fired.

Adjudication can happen for various reasons - if there's a question about why you left your job, if you had multiple employers, if there's a wage discrepancy. Even layoffs sometimes get reviewed.

My claim went into adjudication and I couldn't get any info about why. Used Claimyr to get through to an actual person who explained it was just a routine review. Wish I'd known about that service earlier.

So if I find a job after 3 months, I can't use the remaining benefits later?

If you find a job and then lose it again within your benefit year, you can usually restart your claim without filing a new one. But if your benefit year expires, you'd need to file a new claim.

What if I only worked part-time? Do I still qualify?

You might qualify if you earned enough during your base period. Washington ESD has minimum wage requirements, but part-time work can count toward this.

I didn't know unemployment was taxable! How much should I expect to owe?

It depends on your total income and tax bracket. I'd recommend having 10-20% withheld to be safe. You can set this up when you file your initial claim.

How long does it take for direct deposit to be set up?

Usually takes effect immediately, but your first payment might still come as a paper check depending on timing. After that, it should be direct deposit.

What happens during an appeal? Do I need a lawyer?

You don't need a lawyer for most appeals. There's usually a phone hearing where you can explain your side. But if it's complex, you might want legal help.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr. They got me through to someone who could check my claim status and explain the delay. Turned out there was a simple verification issue holding things up.

How much does that service cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you'd spend trying to get through on your own. Check out their website at claimyr.com for details.

What if I do some freelance work? Do I need to report that too?

Yes, all work and earnings must be reported, including freelance, gig work, or cash jobs. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on what you earn.

Thank you everyone! This is really helpful. I feel less panicked about the whole process now.

Good luck with your claim! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any specific issues.