What do I need to do to file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thank you! Do I need my W-2s or pay stubs too?

Pay stubs help but aren't required - Washington ESD will verify your wages with employers directly. Having them handy is good backup though.

How long is forever exactly? I'm already dreading having to call them.

I used Claimyr last month to get through to Washington ESD without waiting. It's at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Never heard of that but anything beats the 2+ hour waits I've experienced.

What exactly counts as job search activities?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, interviews. You need to keep a log and be ready to provide details if Washington ESD asks.

Wait, do I have to start job searching immediately or can I take a week to decompress first?

You need to be able and available for work to qualify for benefits, so job searching should start right away.

The site can be glitchy during peak times. Try early morning or late evening for better performance.

good tip thanks

So I have to do something every single week? That seems like a lot.

It's just a quick online form that takes maybe 5 minutes. Small price to pay for unemployment benefits!

And if you work part-time while on unemployment, make sure you report those earnings accurately on your weekly claim.

Normal processing is 2-3 weeks if there are no issues. If your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, it can take much longer.

What would cause adjudication?

Things like job separation issues, wage discrepancies, or if you worked in multiple states. Washington ESD needs to investigate before approving benefits.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so I should be fine there.

Yeah, layoffs are usually straightforward for approval.

You can usually update information by calling Washington ESD or logging into your account. Just be honest and thorough when filling it out initially.

I made a typo on my employer's address and it was fine. They care more about the important stuff like wages and separation reason.

Seriously? That seems unfair when you need the money most.

I know, it's frustrating but that's how Washington ESD works. Plan accordingly.

At least they got rid of the waiting week during COVID. Glad they brought it back... NOT.

Is it expensive to use?

They focus on the value of actually reaching someone rather than pricing. Check out their site - claimyr.com has all the details.

Good advice, I'll make sure to document everything.

Yes! I learned this the hard way when they asked me to verify something from months earlier.

Is that separate from the unemployment application?

Yes, it's a different website but Washington ESD will tell you about it in your approval letter if you qualify.

WorkSource has some decent job search tools once you get used to the interface.

It happens but not super common if you were laid off through no fault of your own. Appeals are definitely possible if you disagree with their decision.

My cousin had to appeal when his employer contested the claim. Took months but he eventually won and got back pay.

I don't have either of those, but good to know for others reading this.

Have they though? I still think their phone system is terrible.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to work around those phone system issues. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now.