What do you need to get unemployment benefits in Washington - complete requirements list?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment information for the last 18 months. This includes employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Don't need W-2s to file initially but keep them handy.

make sure you have your last day of work and gross wages for each employer. washington esd is pretty strict about getting all the employment info right or your claim gets delayed

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim requirements and kept getting busy signals. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Game changer for getting through their phone system.

Here's the complete list for Washington ESD unemployment application: 1) SSN 2) Government-issued photo ID 3) Employment history for last 18 months including employer contact info 4) Bank account info for direct deposit 5) Reason for job separation 6) Dates of employment. File online at esd.wa.gov - it's faster than phone or mail.

Don't forget you need to register with WorkSource within 4 weeks of filing your claim! I almost missed this requirement and it would have messed up my benefits.

Quick question - do you need to wait until your last day of work to file or can you file before?

Make sure you have all your employer phone numbers because Washington ESD calls them to verify your claim. If they can't reach your employer it delays everything. I learned this the hard way when my claim sat in adjudication for weeks.

also bring copies of any separation paperwork if you have it. termination letter, layoff notice, whatever. helps speed up the process if theres any questions about why you left

One thing nobody mentions - make sure your address is current everywhere. If Washington ESD sends mail to an old address it can mess up your claim. Update address with post office, bank, everywhere before filing.

I've filed unemployment 3 times over the years in Washington and the key is having everything organized before you start. Make a list of all your jobs with dates, addresses, supervisor names, phone numbers, and separation reasons. Takes 30 minutes to prepare but saves hours during filing.

Do you need anything special if you worked in multiple states? I worked in Oregon for 6 months before moving back to Washington.

Just a heads up that the Washington ESD website can be slow during peak times. Try filing early morning or late evening if possible. Nothing worse than getting halfway through and having the system crash.

forgot to mention - if you have any military service you need those dates and discharge info too. dd214 if you have it

The most important thing is being completely honest about everything. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they verify with employers, so don't try to hide anything or embellish. Better to be upfront from the start.

Last tip - screenshot or print everything after you file. Confirmation numbers, reference numbers, everything. Washington ESD's system can be glitchy and having proof of what you submitted helps if there are problems later.