How to sign up for unemployment benefits in Washington - complete step by step guide?

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

Just the basic info for the application - they'll verify everything later. Having your last pay stub handy can help with dates though.

What's WorkSource WA? Is that separate from the unemployment application?

WorkSource is Washington's job search system. You'll need to register there and do job searches every week to keep getting benefits. It's required for most people on UI.

Yeah the job search thing is annoying but you have to do it or they'll stop your payments

How much does that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed

It's worth checking out their site for the details. For me, getting through to resolve my issue quickly was more important than trying to call for days.

Oh no, that sounds frustrating. Did you eventually get it to work?

yeah finally went through on the 4th try. just be patient with it

This is super helpful! What if I had two jobs - do I need info for both?

Yes, you need to report all employment for the base period. The system will calculate your benefit amount based on all covered wages.

Wait what's a base period? This is getting confusing

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. Washington ESD uses this to determine if you qualify and how much you get.

I was laid off due to downsizing, so that should be straightforward right?

yeah layoffs are usually pretty clear cut. just be specific about it being lack of work

You can usually correct minor errors by calling Washington ESD or through your eServices account. Major errors might require more documentation but they're fixable.

Okay that makes me feel a little better. I just don't want to accidentally commit fraud or something

Do I file the weekly claims online too?

Yes, through the same eServices portal where you applied. You can also do it by phone but online is easier.

the phone system is terrible dont even bother with that

I know it seems overwhelming but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. The weekly claims are pretty straightforward.

I hope so because I'm about to have a breakdown over all this paperwork

What causes a claim to go into adjudication?

Could be anything - they might need to verify your employment dates, get more info about why you were laid off, or check if you're eligible. It's not necessarily bad, just takes longer.

3 job searches every single week? That seems like a lot

It's really not that hard once you get into a routine. You can count online applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Just keep good records.

And make sure you log them in WorkSource - Washington ESD audits these periodically.

Good to know! When exactly do I need to file each week?

sunday through saturday is the claim week and you file on sunday for the week that just ended. set a reminder on your phone

How long does it usually take to get the first payment?

If everything goes smoothly, about 2-3 weeks after you file. There's a waiting week plus processing time.

How do I know if I worked enough hours? I was part-time for some of it

You need to have earned at least $5,265 in your base period and worked in at least two quarters. Part-time work counts as long as you met the wage requirements.

You can call Washington ESD but be prepared for long wait times. The customer service line gets really busy.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Their service connects you directly to Washington ESD agents without the usual phone hassles. Really saved me when I had urgent questions about my claim.

That's really smart advice, thank you!

Learned that the hard way when I had a glitch and lost all my info halfway through. Had to start over completely.

Thank you for the encouragement! I'm feeling a bit more confident about tackling this now.

You've got this! The hardest part is just getting started. Once you submit that first application you'll feel much better.

Good luck! Take your time and read each question carefully. You'll do fine.

Good luck to both of us! I'm planning to apply this weekend.

Remember - Sunday mornings tend to be less busy on the website if you run into any technical issues.

I did get a small severance check. Does that disqualify me completely?

No it doesn't disqualify you but it might delay when your benefits begin. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your timeline.

Same here! This community is amazing. I feel so much more prepared now.

That's what we're here for! Come back and let us know how it goes.