What do I need to apply for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - complete checklist?

You'll need your Social Security card, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months. Make sure you have employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation for each job. Also gather any separation paperwork like layoff notices or termination letters.

Don't forget you'll need your bank account information for direct deposit setup. Washington ESD strongly recommends direct deposit over waiting for a debit card. Also have your last pay stub ready - they'll ask about your gross wages.

Here's what saved me time when I applied last year - I used Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD agent who walked me through the whole process. Way better than trying to figure it out alone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Definitely worth it when you're stressed about getting everything right.

Make sure you understand the difference between being laid off vs fired vs quitting. Washington ESD treats each differently and it affects your eligibility. If you were fired for misconduct you might not qualify at all.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing!! i tried to start my application three times and kept getting error messages. anyone else have problems with the site?

Beyond the basic documents, you'll want to create a WorkSource account if you don't have one already. Washington ESD requires job search activities and WorkSource is where you'll log them. Also be prepared to answer detailed questions about why you're no longer working.

I applied last month and it took FOREVER to get approved. Make sure all your information is 100% accurate because any mistakes will delay your claim. They're really picky about dates and wage amounts.

Pro tip: take screenshots of your completed application before submitting. If something goes wrong you'll have a record of what you entered. I learned this the hard way.

One thing people forget is that you need to be physically able to work and available for work. If you have any medical issues that might affect your ability to work, you'll need documentation about that too.

dont forget to file your weekly claims!! i missed one week and it messed up my whole claim. you have to file every week even if youre still waiting for approval

Another thing about Claimyr - when I used it, the agent helped me understand exactly what Washington ESD was looking for in each section of the application. Made the whole process so much less stressful than trying to guess what they wanted.

If you're union, make sure you have your union information ready too. Washington ESD will ask about union membership and any union benefits you might be receiving.

The system asks for a lot of personal info. Have your alien registration number ready if you're not a US citizen. Also any military service info if applicable.

Just applied last week and the hardest part was remembering exact start/end dates for jobs from over a year ago. Dig through your old tax documents or pay stubs if you have them.

One more thing - if you've worked in other states in the past 18 months, it gets more complicated. You might need to file in the state where you worked, not where you live now.

washington esd is backed up like crazy right now. expect delays no matter how perfect your application is. the system is just overwhelmed

Final checklist: SSN, ID, employer details for 18 months, bank info, separation documents, be ready for job search requirements, and file weekly claims starting immediately. You've got this!

Btw make sure you understand that unemployment is taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay quarterly. I forgot about this and owed a bunch at tax time.

Last thing about Claimyr - they also help if you run into issues after you apply. Like if your claim gets stuck in adjudication or you need to appeal something. Having that backup support really helps with the stress of dealing with Washington ESD.

Print out confirmation pages when you submit! The system sometimes glitches and you'll want proof you submitted on time.