How to sign up for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD - step by step help needed

Thanks! Do I need to have my W-2s or pay stubs ready when I apply?

Yes definitely have your employment history for the last 18 months ready - employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation. You'll also need your SSN, driver's license, and direct deposit info if you want benefits deposited directly.

Thanks! Do I need the exact addresses of all my previous employers or just the company names?

Exact addresses if you have them, but if not just get as close as you can. They use this info to verify your work history with employers.

2-3 weeks?? I was hoping it would be faster than that. Do they tell you right away if you're approved?

They'll send you a determination letter within about a week, but the actual money takes longer to process. Hang in there!

How long does it usually take to get approved after you apply?

If everything goes smoothly, you should get a determination letter within 1-2 weeks. However, if there are any issues or questions about your eligibility, your claim might go into adjudication which can take several weeks longer.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money since I just lost my job.

I understand the concern about cost when you're unemployed, but for me it was worth it to actually get my questions answered instead of calling dozens of times and never getting through. The time saved was huge.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone at ESD.

I get the frustration, but honestly after spending hours trying to get through myself, it was worth it to actually talk to someone who could answer my questions.

Good to know this exists in case I run into problems. Hopefully I won't need it but I'll bookmark it just in case.

Wait, I have to file weekly claims before I'm even approved? That seems confusing.

Yes, you start filing weekly claims the week after you file your initial application. It's called 'claiming your waiting week.' You won't get paid for the first week anyway, but you still need to file to establish your claim pattern.

This is correct - weekly claims are due every Sunday for the previous week. Set a reminder on your phone because missing even one week can create problems with your benefits.

I know it's frustrating. If your claim is taking longer than expected, it might be in adjudication. Check your SAW account regularly for any messages or requests for additional information.

I've checked and there's nothing there asking for more info. Just says 'in progress' which tells me nothing.

Good to know! I was planning to apply tonight but maybe I'll wait until tomorrow morning.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying for jobs online?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, contacting employers directly, working with WorkSource - lots of different activities count. Just make sure you document everything with dates, company names, and what you did.

You can also use the WorkSourceWA website to help track your job search activities. It integrates with the unemployment system.

Yes, you can still apply for unemployment if you were working part-time, as long as you meet the earnings requirements. Washington ESD looks at your total earnings over the past year to determine eligibility.

That's a relief! I was worried I wouldn't qualify because I wasn't full-time.

What happens if I forget to file one week? Do I lose everything?

You can usually file a late claim for up to 4 weeks, but it's better to just set a reminder on your phone to file every Sunday. Don't risk it.

Yeah I definitely don't want to deal with that. I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that's straightforward.

Layoffs are usually the most straightforward cases. Just make sure you have documentation if possible, like a layoff notice or termination letter.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week? I've heard different numbers.

It depends on your situation but generally 3 job search activities per week. This could be applications, interviews, networking events, or job fairs. Keep good records!

I had that issue too. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or try a different browser. The Washington ESD website is pretty finicky.

I'll try that, thanks!

Have you checked your online account? Sometimes they request additional information and you might not get notified properly.

Yeah I check it every day. Just says 'claim under review' with no other details. So frustrating.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When my claim got stuck like this, using their service was the only way I could actually reach someone to find out what was going on.

Is direct deposit faster than the debit card?

Yeah, direct deposit hits your account the same day they process payment. The debit card has to be mailed first which adds a few days.

That's scary. How do they find out if someone lies?

They contact your employer to verify everything. If your story doesn't match what your employer says, you're in trouble.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything. Washington ESD phone system is impossible.

I totally get that feeling. The regular phone system is definitely broken. This at least gives you a real shot at talking to someone who can help.

I got a small severance package. Does that mean I can't apply for unemployment?

You can still apply, but the severance might delay when your benefits start. Washington ESD will calculate how the severance affects your claim timing.

That's not too bad. I was expecting it to take hours.

Good tip, thanks!

Do they use gross pay or net pay for the calculation?

They use your gross wages before taxes and deductions.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. The regular phone system is basically useless right now.

might have to check that out, this is ridiculous

Should I print out the confirmation page after I submit?

Absolutely. Print or save PDFs of everything related to your claim.

Yeah that's exactly what I'm worried about. Bills don't stop coming just because I lost my job.

Try to see if you can get any help from family or friends for that first couple weeks. Food banks can help with groceries too.

I did get paid for some unused vacation days. Will that disqualify me?

It won't disqualify you but it might delay when your benefits start. They'll explain it in your determination letter.

Good idea! I hate when websites do that.

Yes! And save your confirmation number when you submit. You'll need it if you have to call about your claim.

What kind of records do they want to see?

Company name, job title, how you applied, date you applied. I keep a spreadsheet with all this info just in case.

This might be what's happening to me. Is there any way to speed it up?

I tried everything - calling, emailing, even contacting my state rep. Nothing worked, it just had to run its course.

Actually, when I used Claimyr to get through to an agent, they were able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim and what I needed to do to fix it. Saved me weeks of waiting.

What if I don't remember the exact start date for a job from like 2 years ago?

Do your best to estimate, but try to get as close as possible. You might be able to find the info on old tax documents or pay stubs.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about applying now.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims even while you're waiting for approval.

Definitely won't give up. Need these benefits to pay rent!

Exactly. It's your legal right to these benefits if you qualify, so don't let technical problems stop you.

How do they calculate the amount? I'm curious what to expect.

It's complicated but basically they look at your highest earning quarter in the past year and pay you about half of what you made per week in that quarter, up to the state maximum.

I was definitely laid off due to budget cuts, not fired, so I should be okay there.

Good, that makes it much simpler. Layoffs due to business reasons are usually straightforward approvals.

Thanks for the tip! I'll try applying first thing tomorrow morning.

I didn't know they could help with that. I'll look up locations just in case.

Yeah they're really helpful if you get stuck. Plus they can answer questions about the job search requirements too.

Good point. I just moved recently so I need to make sure I update my address everywhere.

Definitely update it with ESD when you apply. Missing correspondence from them is one of the biggest reasons people lose benefits.

Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any problems during the process.

Yeah, and remember that Claimyr option if you need to actually talk to someone at ESD. Sometimes having a real person explain things makes all the difference.