What do I need to file for unemployment in Washington - first time applying

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Also gather your most recent pay stub if you have it.

Make sure you have your alien registration number if you're not a US citizen. Also any military service records if applicable.

Don't forget you need to register with WorkSource Washington as part of the job search requirements. You can do this online at worksourcewa.com. It's required within 3 weeks of filing your claim.

I spent 2 hours on hold trying to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my application. If you run into issues, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD in under 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

also need your bank account info for direct deposit setup, routing and account numbers

Important: File your claim during the week you become unemployed, not before. Washington ESD backdates to your actual separation date but you can't file in advance. The online application is available 24/7 at esd.wa.gov.

Make sure you know WHY you were separated from each job. Washington ESD will ask if you were laid off, fired, quit, etc. and they verify this with employers.

The application asks for gross wages earned in your base period. Make sure you have W-2s or pay stubs to calculate this accurately.

WHATEVER YOU DO don't make any mistakes on the application because fixing errors with Washington ESD is a nightmare. Double check everything before submitting.

If you do need to reach Washington ESD about your application, seriously consider using Claimyr. I wasted so many hours trying to call before I found them. Made the whole process so much less stressful.

You'll also need to certify for benefits every week after filing. This is separate from your initial application - don't forget or you won't get paid for that week.

Pro tip: create your SecureAccess Washington account BEFORE you start the application if you don't have one already. It's required and can add extra time to the process.

If you worked in multiple states, you might need to file in the state where you worked most recently or earned the most wages. Washington ESD can help determine this.

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your return.

be prepared for the whole process to take a while. even if everything goes smooth it takes time to get your first payment

Don't forget to keep records of everything - confirmation numbers, dates you applied, any correspondence from Washington ESD. You'll need this if any issues come up later.

The Washington ESD website has a checklist of required information. Print it out and gather everything before starting the online application.

Just remember you have to be able and available for work to collect benefits. Washington ESD takes the job search requirements seriously.

If your employer contests your claim, be prepared for adjudication. This is where having all your documentation becomes really important.

Final reminder - if you get stuck at any point and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, Claimyr saved me so much frustration. The regular phone lines are just impossible to get through.