What do I need to open unemployment claim with Washington ESD?

Do I need the exact addresses of all my previous employers or just the company names?

Washington ESD wants complete addresses. If you can't remember the exact address, you can look them up online or call the companies.

I was laid off due to slow business, not fired. Do I still need to explain that?

Yes, always provide the reason for separation even if it's a layoff. Be specific - 'lack of work due to business slowdown' is better than just 'laid off.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save. I got through in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day trying to call.

I got laid off last Friday. Is it too late to file now?

No, file today! You can backdate your claim to last Friday when you actually became unemployed. Just be honest about the dates.

Wait I thought you had to wait a week before filing? That's what my cousin told me.

No, that's wrong. File immediately. There's a one-week waiting period before you get paid, but you should file right away.

My manager just told me verbally that I was being laid off. I don't have any paperwork.

That's okay, just be prepared to explain the circumstances in detail when you file. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify anyway.

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

It's Washington's job search system. You have to register and do job search activities to keep getting benefits. They'll send you info about it after you file.

I hate the job search requirements. Such a waste of time when there aren't even jobs in my field.

I've only worked in Washington, so I should be good to file here right?

Yes, if all your work was in Washington then definitely file with Washington ESD.

Good idea! How long does the application usually take?

The initial filing takes maybe 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Then it's a waiting game for them to process it.

Mine took 3 weeks to get approved because they had to verify my employment. Be patient.

Can I use my email instead of postal mail?

You can set up email notifications but they still send some stuff by regular mail. Make sure both are current.

But good luck getting through on the phone! That's why I'm probably going to try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

I used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Totally worth it to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD instead of waiting on hold forever.

I'm getting two weeks severance. Does that mean I can't file for unemployment?

You can still file, but your benefits might not start until after the severance period ends. Be honest about it on the application.

This is so confusing. Why can't they just make this stuff simple?

That's terrifying. What kind of documentation did they want?

Proof of wages, ID verification, work authorization - basically everything twice. Have copies of everything ready.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. Going to gather all my documents and file today.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims every week once you get approved, even if you haven't heard anything yet.

And keep track of your job search activities from day one. You'll need to report them later.