How to start a new unemployment claim with Washington ESD - need step by step help

You'll want to file online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. Don't call unless you absolutely have to - the wait times are insane. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation.

File as soon as possible! Benefits start from the week you file, not when you lost your job. I made that mistake and lost out on a week of benefits.

The online application walks you through everything step by step. Make sure you answer all questions honestly, especially about why you left your job. If you were laid off due to lack of work, that's the easiest path to approval.

I tried calling Washington ESD when I first filed and spent literally 4 hours on hold before getting disconnected. Then I discovered Claimyr at claimyr.com - it's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an agent. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration when I had questions about my claim.

OMG filing unemployment is SO stressful! What if I mess up the dates or forget an employer? Will they deny my whole claim? I'm so worried about doing something wrong.

After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. Don't forget this step - I know people who filed their initial claim then wondered why they weren't getting money.

Also be prepared for the job search requirements. Washington requires you to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You'll need to register with WorkSource Washington too.

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I filed 3 weeks ago and my claim is still stuck in adjudication. No one can tell me why or when it'll be resolved.

Quick tip - create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't have one. That's what you'll use to log into the Washington ESD system.

Make sure you have a good phone number and email on file. Washington ESD will contact you if they need anything, and you don't want to miss those communications.

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file in a different state. But since you mentioned retail work, you probably worked in Washington and should file here.

The online application usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Don't rush through it - take your time to make sure everything is accurate.

Seriously though, if you run into any issues and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, save yourself the headache and use Claimyr. I wasted so many hours trying to get through on my own.

Just filed my claim last week and already got my first payment! The process was smoother than I expected. Hang in there!

Wait, do I need to report my severance pay? I got 2 weeks severance when they laid me off.

The system crashed when I was trying to file yesterday. Anyone else having technical issues with the Washington ESD website?

Pro tip: screenshot everything as you go through the application. If something goes wrong, you'll have records of what you entered.

Remember you can't file for benefits for any week you work more than your part-time hours threshold. If you pick up any temporary work, you need to report it.

I had to use Claimyr when my claim went into adjudication and I couldn't get anyone on the phone. They got me connected in like 20 minutes and the agent was able to explain exactly what documents I needed to upload.

Don't forget to keep all your documentation organized. You might need to reference it later if they have questions about your claim.

Good luck with your claim! The first time is always nerve-wracking but you'll get through it. The online system really does walk you through everything step by step.