How to sign up for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - need help with application process

You should apply as soon as possible! Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'File a Claim' link. 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. Don't wait - your benefit year starts the week you apply, not when you lost your job.

The whole process is pretty straightforward once you get started. Make sure you have your bank account info ready too if you want direct deposit. Takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the whole application online.

One thing to be aware of - if you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone for questions, there's actually a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an agent. I found out about it at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Really helped when I had issues with my claim verification.

Make sure you're eligible first before applying. You need to have worked and earned wages in Washington state, be unemployed through no fault of your own, and be able and available for work. If you quit your job or got fired for misconduct, you might not qualify.

ugh the washington esd website is SO confusing! took me forever to find the right forms when i applied last year. why can't they make it simpler??

After you submit your initial application, you'll get a letter in the mail with your claim details and instructions for filing weekly claims. Don't throw that away - you'll need the information on it every week when you certify for benefits.

Don't forget you have to do job search activities too. Washington requires you to look for work and keep a log of your job search efforts. They can ask to see it anytime.

Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if you haven't gotten your first payment yet. If you miss a week you might lose benefits for that week permanently.

I remember when I applied it asked a bunch of questions about my last job and why I left. Just be honest and straightforward with all the answers. They verify everything anyway.

Quick tip - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication or you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own.

One more thing - set up your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one already. That's how you'll access everything online for your unemployment claim.

The whole system seems so complicated when you're starting out but honestly once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims it becomes pretty automatic

Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. Your weekly amount is what you get each week, and the maximum is the total you can receive during your benefit year.

Don't stress too much about the application. Washington ESD will let you know if they need any additional information. Just make sure you respond to any requests quickly.

oh and keep checking your online account regularly after you apply. sometimes they post important notices there before they mail anything

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I used it when my claim was taking forever to process and I couldn't get anyone on the phone. Worth knowing about even if you don't need it right away. Sometimes adjudication issues come up that require talking to an actual person.

Quick question - do you know if there's a waiting period before you can receive benefits? I thought I heard something about a waiting week.

The application really isn't as scary as it seems at first. Take your time, have all your info ready, and don't hesitate to call if you get stuck on something. Even if the phones are busy, keep trying.

Make sure you save or print confirmation pages during the application process. It's always good to have records of what you submitted and when.

One last piece of advice - if you start working again even part-time while receiving benefits, make sure you report those earnings on your weekly claim. They'll adjust your benefits accordingly but you need to be upfront about it.