How to start unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - complete beginner guide?

You should file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before benefits start. Go to esd.wa.gov and click on 'Apply for Benefits.' 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 process is pretty straightforward but you need to be thorough. After you apply, you'll get a determination letter explaining your benefit amount. Then you file weekly claims every Sunday to get paid. Make sure you register with WorkSourceWA for the job search requirement too.

I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions during my application. The phone lines are always busy. I ended up using Claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent - they have this system that calls you back when an agent is available. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you need to talk to someone.

Make sure you have your reason for separation ready. If you were laid off that's straightforward, but if you quit or were fired it gets more complicated. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify, so be honest about everything.

whatever you do dont wait!!! i waited 2 weeks thinking i could get a job fast and then found out i missed out on 2 weeks of benefits because theres a waiting period. file TODAY

Here's the step-by-step: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and create a SecureAccess Washington account if you don't have one. 2) Complete the initial application with all your employment history. 3) Wait for your monetary determination letter. 4) Register with WorkSourceWA. 5) File your first weekly claim the Sunday after your benefit year starts. 6) Continue filing weekly claims every Sunday.

The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week starting your second week. Keep detailed records because they do audit claims. Use WorkSourceWA to log your contacts and make sure they're legitimate job applications, not just browsing job boards.

just went through this process last month. the hardest part was getting all my employment info together because i had 3 different jobs in the last year. make sure you get the exact addresses and phone numbers for each employer - they're picky about that stuff

One thing to watch out for - if you have any unused vacation or sick pay, that might delay your benefits. Washington ESD considers that as wages for the week it's paid, not when you actually worked. Same with severance pay.

The Washington ESD website has a really good tutorial that walks you through the whole application process. I'd recommend going through that first so you know what to expect. Also, if your claim gets held up in adjudication, don't panic - it just means they need to verify something.

If you run into any issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, seriously consider using Claimyr. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through on the phone. Claimyr got me connected to an agent who resolved my issue in one call.

also make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing weekly claims. the initial claim is just once to start your benefit year. weekly claims are what you do every sunday to actually get paid that week. dont miss filing a weekly claim or you lose that weeks benefits

Don't forget that your benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So if you had a lower paying job recently but made more earlier, that might actually help your benefit amount.

One more tip - set up direct deposit when you apply. Getting checks in the mail takes forever and they can get lost. Direct deposit is much more reliable and faster.

oh and if you get a part time job while collecting unemployment, you can still get partial benefits. just make sure to report all your earnings on your weekly claim. washington esd allows you to make up to a certain amount before they start reducing your benefits

The most important thing is to be patient and persistent. The unemployment system can be frustrating but it does work. Keep copies of everything you submit and take notes of any phone calls you make.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are temporary assistance while you look for work. The goal is to get back to employment, so take the job search requirement seriously and use all the resources available through WorkSourceWA.

Last thing - if you ever need to reach Washington ESD and can't get through, definitely check out Claimyr.com. It's been a lifesaver for me and lots of other people dealing with claim issues. Much better than spending hours on hold.

Update: I just completed my application! It was actually pretty straightforward with all the advice here. Now I wait for the determination letter. Thanks everyone for the help!

awesome! make sure you file your first weekly claim as soon as you get your determination letter. and remember its every sunday after that. set a reminder on your phone so you dont forget

I just want to add one more thing that helped me when I filed last year - keep a detailed folder (physical or digital) with all your unemployment documents. This includes your determination letter, weekly claim confirmations, job search records, and any correspondence with Washington ESD. If you ever get audited or have questions later, having everything organized will save you so much stress. Also, screenshot your weekly claim submissions as proof you filed on time. The system can sometimes glitch and it's good to have backup documentation.