Washington ESD - how to file a claim unemployment - confused about the process

You'll need to file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from your last job including dates of employment and reason for separation. The system will walk you through it step by step.

Make sure you file as soon as possible! There's a waiting week but your claim starts from when you file, not when you lost your job. I made that mistake and lost a week of benefits.

I just went through this last month and got stuck trying to reach someone at Washington ESD when I had questions about my application. The phone lines are absolutely impossible - I tried calling dozens of times and either got busy signals or hung up on after waiting forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

ugh the washington esd website is such a pain. took me like 3 tries to get through the whole application because it kept timing out. make sure you have a good internet connection and save your progress as you go

Here's the complete process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one. 2) Complete the initial claim application - this takes about 30-45 minutes. 3) You'll get a determination letter in 7-10 days telling you if you're approved and your weekly benefit amount. 4) Once approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. 5) You must also register with WorkSource and do job search activities as required.

The job search requirement is currently 3 activities per week for most people. Some exceptions exist for certain programs or if you're on standby with your employer. Make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search activity - networking, attending job fairs, skills training, etc. all qualify.

Just a heads up - if you quit your job or got fired for misconduct, you might not qualify for benefits. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. This is called adjudication and it can take several weeks.

THE SYSTEM IS SO BROKEN! I've been trying to get through to fix an issue with my claim for 2 weeks. Every time I call I get disconnected after an hour on hold. How are we supposed to get help when they make it impossible to reach anyone?

When you file your initial claim, be very careful about the dates and wages you report. Any mistakes can cause delays or issues later. I put the wrong start date for one of my jobs and it took months to straighten out.

Also make sure you report any severance pay or vacation payout you received. This can affect when your benefits start. I got an overpayment notice because I didn't report my severance correctly.

i filed like 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back. is that normal? getting pretty worried about paying rent

One thing nobody mentioned - if you worked in multiple states, you might need to file in the state where you worked most recently or where you earned the most wages. Washington ESD can help determine which state you should file in.

Does anyone know if you can file online 24/7 or are there specific hours? I work weird shifts and might need to do this late at night.

Pro tip: after you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. You can't skip weeks and file multiple claims later - each weekly claim must be filed during its designated week.

I second the recommendation for Claimyr if you need to reach Washington ESD by phone. I used them when my claim went into adjudication and I needed to provide additional information. Saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own.

Don't forget about the work search log! You'll need to keep detailed records of your job search activities. I recommend starting this right away even if your claim is still being processed.

Make sure you read all the determination letters carefully when you get them. They contain important information about your benefit amount, how long benefits will last, and any special requirements for your claim.

Last thing - be patient but persistent. The system can be frustrating but most issues do get resolved eventually. Keep copies of everything you submit and document all your communications with Washington ESD.

Oh and one more thing - if you're eligible for benefits, they'll also send you information about reemployment services and training programs. Some of these are voluntary but others might be required depending on your situation.

Final reminder - make sure your contact information is up to date throughout the process. Washington ESD will send important notices by mail and email, so you don't want to miss anything.