Just got fired - how do I file for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Sorry to hear about your job loss. You'll need to file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, employer information from the last 18 months, and your bank account info if you want direct deposit. The sooner you file, the better - benefits don't start until you actually submit your claim.

The Washington ESD website can be confusing at first. Make sure you have all your employment history ready - they'll ask for wages and dates for every job in the past 18 months. Also, being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you unless it was for misconduct.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

File online first thing in the morning or late at night when the system isn't as busy. You'll get a confirmation number - save that! After you file the initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits.

ugh the washington esd system is so frustrating!! took me forever to figure out how to navigate their website when i got laid off last year

One important thing - you'll need to register for work search activities and keep a log of your job search efforts. Washington requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week to maintain eligibility.

Don't stress too much about the initial application. The Washington ESD system will walk you through most of it step by step. Just make sure you're honest about why you were terminated.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD customer service for weeks about my claim status. The phone system is absolutely terrible - either busy signals or it hangs up on you after being on hold forever.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! They make it impossible to reach anyone and then wonder why people get frustrated. I've been fighting with them for months over an overpayment issue.

For what it's worth, most unemployment claims for people who were fired (not for misconduct) do get approved eventually. The key is being persistent and following all the requirements.

make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week even if your initial claim is still being processed. missing a week can mess up your whole claim

Another tip - if your claim gets denied initially, don't panic. You have the right to appeal within 30 days. Many denials get overturned on appeal, especially for terminations that weren't clearly misconduct.

I went through this same thing last year when I got laid off. The whole process seemed overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get started. The hardest part was just getting through on the phone when I had questions.

If you do run into issues and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling for hours.

Don't let your former employer intimidate you. If they contest your claim, Washington ESD will investigate and make a decision based on the evidence. Being fired for performance reasons usually doesn't disqualify you from benefits.

the website is esd.wa.gov if you haven't found it yet. pretty straightforward once you get started with the application

One last thing - make sure you report any severance pay or vacation payout you received. Not reporting income can cause overpayment issues later that are a pain to deal with.

Good luck with everything! Losing a job sucks but at least Washington has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states. Just stay on top of the weekly claims and job search requirements.

Been there, done that. The whole unemployment thing is stressful but manageable if you stay organized. Keep copies of everything and don't be afraid to ask questions if you get confused.

If your claim goes into adjudication don't freak out. It just means they're investigating something, usually the reason for termination. Can take a few extra weeks but most people do get approved eventually.