What do you need to get unemployment benefits - Washington ESD requirements checklist?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, your last employer's information (name, address, phone, dates of employment), and your gross wages from the last 18 months. Also helpful to have your SF8 or SF50 if you're federal, or your most recent pay stub. The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week, but make sure you're ready to document them properly.

I went through this last year and honestly the hardest part was getting through to Washington ESD on the phone when I had questions. The website has most of what you need but sometimes you need to talk to someone. I ended up using Claimyr.com to get through - they have this system that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Don't forget you also need to register with WorkSource WA within a week of filing your claim. You'll need to create a profile there and upload your resume. This is separate from your unemployment claim but it's required to keep getting benefits.

make sure you have bank account info for direct deposit too, saves you from waiting for checks in the mail

Also important to know - you can't file until your last day of work, and there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start. So if you're laid off on Friday, file that weekend, but your benefits won't start until the second week. Plan your finances accordingly.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing honestly. I had to call them like 50 times when I first applied because my claim went into adjudication for some reason. Turned out they needed verification of my last employer but nobody told me that initially.

Quick tip - when you're gathering employer info, make sure you have the exact legal business name, not just what everyone calls the company. I had issues because I put the nickname instead of the full corporate name.

Don't they also ask about severance pay? I remember having to report that when I got laid off and it affected my benefits somehow.

The job search thing is no joke - they can audit you at any time and ask for proof of your job contacts. Keep detailed records of every application, when you submitted it, what position, etc. I use a spreadsheet to track everything.

I've been on unemployment twice and both times I had issues that required calling Washington ESD. The second time I used some service called claimyr that basically calls for you and gets you through the queue. Worth it when you're dealing with claim problems and can't waste hours on hold.

Make sure you answer all the weekly claim questions honestly. If you work any hours or earn any money, report it. If you're not available for work for any reason (sick, vacation, whatever), report that too. Being dishonest can get you in serious trouble.

anyone else think the washington esd website is confusing as hell? took me forever to figure out where to actually file my claim

One thing nobody mentions - if you have any military service, bring your DD-214. Sometimes that affects your claim and it's better to have it ready than need it later.

The most important thing is to file as soon as you're eligible. You can't get benefits for weeks before you filed, so don't wait thinking you might find another job quickly. You can always stop claiming if you find work.

Also prepare for the possibility that your claim might take longer than expected to process. Have some savings or a backup plan because even if everything goes perfectly, it still takes time to get your first payment.

If your employer contests your claim (says you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily), be prepared to provide documentation proving otherwise. Save emails, performance reviews, anything that supports your version of events.

Last thing - don't ignore any mail or messages from Washington ESD. Even if it looks like junk mail, open it. Missing a deadline or failing to respond can mess up your benefits big time.