How to make an unemployment claim - Washington ESD first time filing help needed

First thing - don't panic! You can file online at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, gross wages). The sooner you file the better since there's a waiting week.

The website can be confusing but it walks you through step by step. Make sure you answer everything honestly - they'll catch it if you lie about anything. Also be prepared for it to take a while, especially if there are any issues with your claim.

If you run into problems getting through to Washington ESD by phone (which happens A LOT), there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people get connected to agents. I used it when my claim got stuck and it saved me hours of calling. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Make sure you file within the first week after losing your job. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, but if you delay filing you could lose out on benefits for those weeks. The maximum weekly benefit in Washington is around $1000 but most people get way less depending on their wages.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! I filed 2 months ago and STILL waiting for my first payment. Apparently my claim is in "adjudication" whatever that means. So frustrating!

Update: I started my application online and it's asking about all my jobs in the last 18 months. I had 3 different part-time jobs before my recent full-time one. Do I need to list ALL of them?

Also remember you have to do weekly claims every week to keep getting paid, even while your initial claim is processing. And you have to do job searches - I think it's 3 per week now.

I tried calling Washington ESD yesterday to ask a question about my application and was on hold for 2.5 hours before getting disconnected. This is insane.

Don't forget about the tax implications! Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay quarterly, but don't forget about it come tax time.

Another thing - if you worked in other states recently, you might need to file an interstate claim. That adds even more complications to the process.

The good news is once you get through the initial filing and any verification stuff, the weekly claims are pretty straightforward. Just answer the same questions every week about whether you worked, earned any money, were available for work, etc.

Make sure you keep copies of everything - your application, any correspondence from Washington ESD, your job search logs. If there are ever any issues or appeals, you'll need that documentation.

If your former employer contests your claim (says you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily), be prepared for a longer process. You might have to do a phone interview or even a hearing.

The WorkSourceWA website integration is actually pretty helpful for the job search requirement. You can search for jobs there and it automatically logs some of your activities.

Just be patient with the whole process. I know it's stressful when you need the money, but panicking and calling constantly won't speed it up. Follow up if needed but don't overwhelm them.

For anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD, seriously consider using Claimyr. It's been a game changer for a lot of people dealing with claim issues. Much better than the stress of calling over and over.

Remember that even if your claim gets approved, there's usually a delay before you see your first payment. Don't expect money immediately even after approval.

One more tip - set up your online account as soon as you file. That way you can check your claim status, payment history, and handle your weekly claims online instead of over the phone.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm going to finish my application tonight and hopefully it goes smoothly. At least now I know what to expect and have backup options if I run into problems.

Final reminder - keep track of EVERYTHING. Dates you applied for jobs, companies you contacted, any training or workshops you attend. The job search requirements are no joke and they do audit people.