How to sign up for unemployment Washington ESD - complete beginner here

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 past 18 months. Make sure you have employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The initial application usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete thoroughly.

Make sure you file as soon as possible! There's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so the sooner you apply the better. Also be prepared that it might take a few weeks to get approved if your claim goes into adjudication.

Here's the step by step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'Apply for Benefits' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one 3) Complete the initial claim application 4) Wait for your monetary determination letter 5) Start filing weekly claims. You MUST file weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still pending or you'll lose benefits for those weeks.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone for questions, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals when I needed to check on my claim status.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing!! took me forever to figure out where everything was. why cant they make it simpler

Make sure you keep detailed records of everything - dates you applied, confirmation numbers, any correspondence from Washington ESD. You'll thank yourself later if you need to reference anything.

Also remember you'll need to do job search activities and log them once your benefits start. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week typically, though this can vary based on your situation.

How long does it usually take to get the first payment? I'm getting nervous about my bills.

Just a heads up - when I applied last year my claim got stuck because I didn't have the exact end date from one of my previous jobs. Had to call Washington ESD multiple times to get it sorted. Try to be as accurate as possible with all your employment dates and info.

honestly the whole system is set up to discourage people from applying. so many hoops to jump through

One more important thing - make sure you understand the difference between being 'able and available' vs being on standby. If you're expecting to return to your same job within a specific timeframe, you might qualify for standby status which has different requirements.

Quick update on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - just wanted to add that it really helped when I was confused about my claim status and couldn't get through the regular phone lines. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to understand what's happening with your case.

Has anyone had issues with their SecureAccess Washington account? I created one but now I can't remember if I used my email or phone number as the username.

This has all been super helpful everyone! I think I'm ready to start the application process. Wish me luck!

One last question - do I need to wait until my last paycheck clears before applying, or can I apply right away?

Just remember to save confirmation numbers for everything you submit. I learned that the hard way when I had to prove I filed something on time.

hope it goes smoother for you than it did for me. took forever to get my first payment but at least it eventually worked out

Final reminder - even if your initial claim is taking a while to process, keep filing those weekly claims every single week. You can't go back and file for missed weeks later, so don't skip any even if you haven't been approved yet.

Thanks for asking this question OP, I learned a lot from reading everyone's responses too!

One more resource - the Washington ESD website has a checklist of everything you need before you start your application. Might be worth reviewing that first so you have everything ready.