How to get unemployment checks from Washington ESD - complete process?

Thanks! Do I file online or do I have to call them? I heard their phone lines are always busy.

Online is definitely easier. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for 'File a New Claim'. The phone lines are crazy busy so I'd avoid calling unless you absolutely have to.

What day do I file the weekly claims? Is there a specific deadline?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. The deadline is Saturday night at midnight. I always do mine on Sunday morning so I don't forget.

I set a reminder on my phone for every Sunday. Missing even one week is a huge pain to fix later.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do I need to actually talk to someone?

Online applications count, but so do networking events, job fairs, contacting employers directly, even informational interviews. Keep detailed records of everything.

How does that work exactly? Do they charge you to make the call?

They basically handle the waiting and calling for you. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I was skeptical about using a third party service but honestly it worked great. Got through to Washington ESD in like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

It's when they review your claim more carefully. Could be because your employer disputed it, or they need to verify your work history, or clarify why you lost your job. It's not necessarily bad but it delays your payments.

I went through adjudication and it took 5 weeks. Just be patient and respond to any requests for information immediately.

How do they calculate it exactly? I was making about $4000 a month at my last job.

They look at your highest earning quarter in your base year and use a formula. For $4000/month you'd probably qualify for a decent weekly amount but I can't say exactly without knowing your full work history.

When do I need to do that? Right away or can I wait until after my claim is approved?

Do it as soon as possible. I think you have like 5 weeks from when you file your claim but don't wait. It's easy to forget and then you're in trouble.

Yes! WorkSource registration is mandatory. Go to worksourcewa.com and set up your profile. Keep your resume updated there too.

Can I choose direct deposit from the beginning or do I have to get the card first?

You can set up direct deposit in your online account. I'd recommend that over the debit card - no fees and faster access to your money.

How much should I have withheld? I don't want a huge tax bill later.

I think it's 10% federal withholding option. Depends on your total income for the year but it's usually worth doing to avoid owing later.

That's reassuring to hear. I'm just worried about making a mistake and messing up my benefits.

As long as you're honest and thorough in your filings, you'll be fine. The system works, it's just a lot of paperwork and waiting.

How long does the appeal process take? I can't afford to wait months without income.

Mine took about 6 weeks from filing the appeal to the hearing. If you win, they backdate all your payments to when you first filed.

Yes you can work part-time but you have to report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn.

Thanks! I wasn't sure about the reporting requirements.

Just be super accurate about reporting earnings. They cross-check with employers so any discrepancies will cause problems.

Good to know there's a backup option if I can't get through normally.

Yeah I tried calling Washington ESD directly for 3 days straight and never got through. Claimyr got me connected on the first try.

My layoff is permanent so I think regular unemployment is what I need, but good to know about standby.

Yeah for permanent layoffs regular UI is correct. Standby is mainly for seasonal workers or temporary shutdowns.

That's good to hear. I was worried it would be hours of paperwork every week.

Nope, the weekly claims are pretty simple. Just a few questions about work search and any earnings. The initial claim filing is the time-consuming part.

Thanks for that tip! I'll make sure to keep digital copies of everything.

Smart move. The secure messaging system gives you a record that they received your documents.

3 weeks isn't too bad. I was worried it might be months before seeing any money.

Yeah as long as there are no complications with your claim, 3-4 weeks is pretty typical for the first payment.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting this process now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to come back here if you run into any specific problems.

And remember Claimyr is there if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through the regular way.