How to register for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD - complete beginner

First step is creating your account on the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The initial application usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! Benefits don't start until the week you file, so every day you wait is money lost. The Washington ESD system can be slow sometimes but don't let that discourage you.

If you run into issues reaching Washington ESD by phone during the application process, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to an actual agent when the phone lines are jammed. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me when I had questions about my application.

don't forget you have to file weekly claims even after your initial application! i made that mistake and missed a week of benefits

Here's what you absolutely need to have ready before starting: 1) SSN and driver's license 2) Complete work history for past 18 months with exact dates 3) Bank account info for direct deposit 4) Your reason for separation from each job. Having all this ready makes the process much smoother.

The Washington ESD website can be glitchy during peak hours. If you get error messages, try again later in the evening or early morning. Don't create multiple accounts thinking the first one didn't work - that just causes more problems.

Just went through this process last month. The whole thing took me about an hour because I had to dig up old employer information. Pro tip: if you can't remember exact addresses for previous jobs, you can often find them on old tax documents or pay stubs.

IMPORTANT: You'll also need to register with WorkSourceWA for job search requirements. This is separate from your unemployment application but you'll need to do it within a few weeks of filing. Don't skip this step or your benefits could be stopped.

One thing that tripped me up - make sure your bank account info is exactly right for direct deposit. I had a typo in my routing number and it delayed my first payment by two weeks while they sorted it out.

expect the process to feel overwhelming at first but it gets easier once you're in the system. The weekly claims become routine after a few weeks. Just take it step by step and don't stress if something doesn't make sense immediately

Washington ESD has been pretty backed up lately so don't panic if your claim takes longer than expected to process. Mine took almost 3 weeks but I did get backpay for the waiting period once it was approved.

If you get stuck during the application or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, definitely consider using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. The regular phone lines are usually swamped and you'll waste hours on hold. Much easier to have them handle the calling for you.

Also remember that you have to certify that you're able and available to work each week. If you have any restrictions like childcare issues or transportation problems, be honest about them but understand they might affect your eligibility.

washington esd system crashed on me twice while i was filling out the application. make sure to save your progress frequently if there's an option to do that

Don't forget about the waiting week! Washington still has a one-week waiting period where you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment, even though you have to file the weekly claim.

Make sure you understand the difference between your application date and your effective date. Your effective date is when benefits actually start, which is usually the Sunday of the week you apply.

Quick tip: screenshot or print out your confirmation page after submitting your application. Having that reference number makes it much easier if you need to call Washington ESD with questions later.

Remember that Washington ESD will verify your employment with your previous employers, so make sure all the information you provide is accurate. Any discrepancies could delay your claim or cause adjudication issues.

One last thing about getting help if you need it - that Claimyr service I mentioned has been really useful for people who get stuck in adjudication or have complex situations. Sometimes talking to an actual person at Washington ESD is the only way to resolve certain issues, and Claimyr makes that possible when the phone lines are impossible.