How to obtain unemployment benefits - Washington ESD application process help needed

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic employment info?

Just the basic info for the initial application. They might request pay stubs later if there are any questions about your wages.

What happens if I can't get through to file my weekly claim? I've heard the phone system is terrible.

You can file weekly claims online through your SecureAccess Washington account. Much easier than calling.

The online system crashes sometimes though, especially on busy days. If you can't get through online or by phone, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

What exactly are the job search requirements? Do I have to apply for a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. The WorkSource website has all the details about what counts as valid job search activities.

What kind of error messages were you getting? Might help others avoid the same issues.

something about my employer information not matching their records. turns out i had to use the exact legal business name, not just what everyone calls the company

How do I know what my weekly benefit amount will be?

It's based on your wages from the last 4 quarters. The monetary determination letter will show the exact amount, usually comes within a few days of filing your claim.

Mine took forever to get approved because they had to verify my wages with one of my previous employers. Be patient but stay on top of it.

Is that service legit? Sounds too good to be true.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Saved me so much frustration when my claim was stuck.

What if I was fired vs laid off? Does that matter for eligibility?

Yes, it definitely matters. If you were fired for misconduct, you might not qualify. If you were laid off due to lack of work, you should be eligible. Washington ESD will investigate the reason for separation.

This is where a lot of people get tripped up. Be prepared to provide details about why you lost your job.

How much are the taxes usually?

They'll withhold 10% federal if you choose that option. You might owe state taxes too depending on your total income for the year.

What if I forget to file one week? Can I make it up?

You can file late claims but you need a good reason for the delay. It's much easier to just set a reminder and file on time every week.

That's good to know. I was wondering if I could do some freelance work while job hunting.

Yes but report every penny you earn. They cross-check with employers and the IRS, so being dishonest isn't worth the risk.

I'll definitely check that out before I start. Thanks for the tip!

Good point. I'll make sure to go directly to the official site.

Yes! Stick to esd.wa.gov for filing claims. The only legitimate third-party service I know of is Claimyr, but that's just for helping you call Washington ESD, not for filing claims.

That's reassuring. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the steps involved.

It really does get routine after the first few weeks. Just take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck.

You should wait until after your last day of work to file your claim. The benefit week starts from when you're actually unemployed.

That's a good question - I was wondering the same thing since I have a few days left at my current job.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about getting started now.

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to come back if you run into any issues during the process.