Washington ESD unemployment filing requirements - what do I actually need?

Thanks! Do I need exact addresses for all my employers or just the general location?

Try to get exact addresses if possible, but if you can't remember the exact street address for an old job, the general area should work. Washington ESD can verify details later if needed.

What's WorkSource? Is that different from the Washington ESD website?

WorkSource is Washington's job search system. You'll need to create a profile there and it connects with your unemployment claim. It's at worksourcewa.com

I'm a citizen but good to know about the education part. Do I need transcripts or just know what level I completed?

Just need to know the level - high school, some college, bachelor's degree, etc. No transcripts required for the initial application.

How much does that cost though? I'm already broke from being unemployed

It's worth it when you need to actually reach someone at Washington ESD. Way less stressful than calling repeatedly and getting nowhere.

I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Saved me so much time and frustration trying to call Washington ESD directly.

This is super helpful! Do I need to know exact gross wages or can I estimate?

Try to be as accurate as possible. Washington ESD will verify with your employers anyway, so don't worry if you're slightly off. They use the wage info to calculate your benefit amount.

Yeah they cross-check everything so being honest is key. I made the mistake of guessing on some wages and it delayed my claim.

What if I'm taking one evening class? Would that disqualify me?

One evening class shouldn't be a problem as long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to work during normal business hours. Just be honest about it in your application.

Same! I kept second-guessing whether I had everything ready to apply.

The key is just having your basic info and work history. You can always update details later if needed.

I was laid off due to lack of work, so that should be straightforward right?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work are usually the easiest cases for approval. Just be clear that it wasn't performance-related.

Yep, lack of work layoffs typically get approved quickly unless there are other complicating factors.

How long is too long to wait?

Technically you can backdate up to one year, but it's much easier if you file within the first few weeks of unemployment. Less questions and complications.

Do they still send anything by mail or is it all electronic?

Mostly electronic now but some official notices still come by mail. Keep an eye on both.

What kind of limitations are okay vs not okay?

Normal limitations like only wanting full-time work or preferring day shift are usually fine. But you can't be too restrictive - like only accepting one specific job title at one company.

I had a weekend side job too - should I include that even though it was only a few hours?

Yes, include everything. Washington ESD gets wage reports from all employers anyway, so it's better to be complete upfront.

When do the weekly claims start? Right after I file the initial application?

Your first weekly claim is usually for the week after you file your initial application. You'll get instructions on when and how to file weekly claims once your application is processed.

And set a reminder! It's easy to forget and then you have to explain why you missed filing a weekly claim.

Did they actually help resolve your issue or just get you through to someone?

They got me through to a real Washington ESD representative who could actually look at my case and answer my specific questions. Much better than the automated system.

That's reassuring! I was worried about messing something up and getting denied.

Exactly. Minor errors or missing details can usually be corrected. The bigger risk is waiting too long to apply and losing potential benefits.

Wait, there's a week where I won't get paid even if I'm approved?

Yes, the first week of your claim is a waiting week. You file the weekly claim but don't receive payment for that week. It's just how the system works.

The waiting week can be confusing but just think of it as a one-week delay before payments start.