How to sign up on unemployment - Washington ESD application process help needed

You can file everything online through 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 whole application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

Make sure you have your bank account info for direct deposit too. Way faster than waiting for a check in the mail. Also yes you do need to register with WorkSourceWA separately - they'll tell you about that after you file your initial claim.

If you run into issues with the online system or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, good luck getting through on the phone. I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my claim. Found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to ESD agents - check out claimyr.com and their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

The most important thing is having accurate employment information. If you worked multiple jobs or had any gaps, make sure you can explain them. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers so don't guess on dates or wages.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing... took me forever to figure out where to even start the application. why cant they make it more obvious??

Just a heads up - after you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. It's super important not to miss those deadlines or you could lose payments for that week.

Make sure you're actually eligible before filing. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. There's an eligibility tool on the Washington ESD website that can give you an idea.

Don't forget you'll need to actively look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires at least 3 job search activities per week unless you're in certain programs.

File online for sure. I tried going to the office and they just told me to file online anyway. Plus with COVID they're still limiting in-person services.

One more tip - if your claim gets flagged for adjudication (which happens randomly sometimes), don't panic. It just means they need to verify some information. Can take a few weeks but you'll get backpay once it's resolved.

The whole system is a mess tbh. I filed 6 weeks ago and still haven't gotten a penny. Keep getting different answers every time I manage to reach someone at Washington ESD.

i just filed mine last week and it was pretty easy once i had all my paperwork together. the hardest part was remembering all my old job info

Quick question for OP - were you laid off or terminated? If you were fired for misconduct that could affect your eligibility. Just want to make sure you're prepared for that question on the application.

Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your return next year.

The waiting week is gone now so you should get benefits for your first week if you're approved. That changed during COVID and they kept it that way.

Make sure to read all the instructions carefully. I rushed through my application and made some mistakes that caused delays. Better to take your time and get it right the first time.

If you need help during the application, there's usually a help chat feature on the ESD website. Not always staffed but worth trying if you get stuck.

Last thing - once you file, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down! You'll need it if you have to call about your claim later.

Good luck OP! The process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started. Just be patient because everything with ESD takes longer than you'd expect.

One final tip - create your eServices account first before starting the application. It'll save you time and you'll use that account for your weekly claims too.