What I need to file for unemployment in Washington - complete requirements list?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Also gather your most recent pay stub and any separation documents like termination letters.

Thanks! Do I need exact start and end dates for every job in the past 18 months? I worked a few temp jobs and might not have all those details.

Try to get as close as possible on dates. Washington ESD will verify with employers anyway, but having approximate dates helps. Keep any temp agency paperwork you have.

Don't forget you need to register with WorkSource too as part of the job search requirements. And if you're getting any severance pay that might affect when you can start collecting.

What's WorkSource? Is that separate from the Washington ESD unemployment application?

WorkSource is the state's job search system. You have to register there and do job searches to keep getting benefits. It's required.

honestly the whole process is confusing and if you call washington esd good luck getting through. i waited on hold for 3 hours yesterday just to get hung up on. the website is better but still confusing for first timers

I had the same problem trying to reach someone at Washington ESD! Found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent in like 15 minutes. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

wait really? how much does something like that cost? seems too good to be true

It's way cheaper than taking time off work to keep calling. Check out claimyr.com - they handle the calling part so you don't have to sit on hold.

Here's the complete checklist: SSN, ID, employment history (company name, address, phone, supervisor name, dates worked, gross wages, reason for separation), bank info for direct deposit, and alien registration number if you're not a US citizen. File online at esd.wa.gov within the first week of unemployment.

This is super helpful! Should I wait until my last day of work to file or can I file before that?

File the week you become unemployed, not before. So if your last day is Friday, file that Sunday when the new benefit week starts.

Actually you can file the same day you lose your job, you don't have to wait until Sunday. The system will backdate to the correct week.

Make sure you know WHY you're being terminated. If it's layoffs vs firing for cause vs quitting, that affects your eligibility. Washington ESD is really strict about this part.

It's a layoff due to company downsizing. Does that make the process easier?

Yes, layoffs are usually straightforward for approval. Just make sure your employer reports it correctly to Washington ESD.

ugh i remember when i filed last year it took forever to get approved. kept getting stuck in adjudication for weeks. make sure all your info is exactly right the first time

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to verify information with your employer or investigate something about your claim. It can add weeks to the process.

yeah exactly. mine got stuck because there was some confusion about my last day worked. took 3 weeks to sort out

Pro tip: have your bank routing and account numbers ready for direct deposit setup. Getting checks in the mail takes way longer and they charge fees for the debit card option.

Good to know! Can I change to direct deposit later if I mess up the bank info initially?

Yes but it's easier to get it right the first time. Takes a few weeks to process changes.

The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step, but definitely have all your documents ready before you start. The session can time out if you take too long looking for information.

How long does the application usually take to complete?

Maybe 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. Longer if you're missing employer information and have to look things up.

Don't forget about the waiting week! Washington has a one week waiting period before benefits start, so plan your finances accordingly.

So even if I'm approved right away, I won't get paid for the first week?

Exactly. The waiting week isn't paid unless you exhaust all your benefits, then they pay it as the last week.

also make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still pending. if you miss weeks you lose those benefits forever

Wait, what are weekly claims? I thought you just file once for unemployment?

No, you have to file a weekly claim every week to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work. It's how you actually get paid.

yeah the initial application just establishes your claim. you have to do the weekly thing to actually get money

If you run into problems with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, be prepared for long wait times. The phone system is overwhelmed most days.

I used Claimyr when I had issues with my claim status. Way better than trying to call directly. They got me through to an actual person who could explain what was happening with my adjudication.

is that the same service someone mentioned earlier? might be worth it if washington esd is impossible to reach

Yeah same one. Really helped when I was stuck and couldn't figure out why my payments stopped.

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them yourself at tax time. Plan accordingly.

I didn't know that! Should I have them withhold taxes or pay later?

Depends on your situation. If you're bad at saving money, have them withhold. If you want the full amount now, pay later but set money aside.

make sure you understand the job search requirements too. you have to apply for jobs every week and keep records. they do audit people

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

It depends on your field and local job market, but typically 3-5 job searches per week. WorkSource will have specific requirements for your situation.

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states in the past 18 months, you might need to file an interstate claim. That's more complicated.

I only worked in Washington so that shouldn't apply to me, right?

Right, you're good. Just file normally with Washington ESD.

Last tip: keep copies of everything you submit and document all your interactions with Washington ESD. If there are problems later you'll need that paper trail.

This has been so helpful everyone! I feel much more prepared now. Going to gather all my documents this weekend.

Good luck! The process seems overwhelming but it's pretty straightforward once you get started.