What documents do I need for unemployment claim in Washington ESD?

Thanks! I have most of that but I'm missing some employer addresses from jobs I had last year. Do I need the exact street addresses or will general location work?

Try to get the exact addresses if possible. Washington ESD may contact former employers to verify your work history, so accurate contact info helps avoid delays.

I'm a citizen so that's not an issue, but good point about the bank info. Should I use checking or savings account?

Either works, but checking is usually more convenient since you might need frequent access to the funds.

No military or federal work for me, but that's good to know for others reading this thread.

That sounds awful! How did you eventually get it resolved?

I finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. They have a system that calls for you and connects you when someone picks up. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but sounds like a lifesaver. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible.

I did get vacation pay when I left. How does that impact my claim?

It might delay your benefit start date depending on the amount. Washington ESD considers vacation payout as wages for the period it would have covered. You'll need to report the exact amount and dates.

This is confusing. I got two weeks vacation payout but I was laid off immediately. Does that mean I can't get benefits for two weeks?

Not necessarily. The vacation pay might be allocated differently depending on your employer's policy. You'll need to discuss this with a Washington ESD agent to get the exact calculation.

I had some freelance work last year but it wasn't much. Do I need to report that?

Yes, report all income. Even small amounts matter for your work history and could affect your benefit calculation.

Not in a union but good to know for others.

I was completely laid off, but that's useful information for people with hour cuts.

Wait, you can get partial benefits? I thought it was all or nothing.

Nope! Washington ESD has partial benefits if your hours are reduced but you're still employed. You have to meet certain criteria though.

This is my first time filing so I guess I'll create a new PIN.

What additional documents did they ask for?

They wanted proof of my job search activities even though I had just filed. Apparently they can request your job search log at any time, so start keeping track immediately.

How many job contacts per week?

I think it's 3 per week but check the current requirements on the Washington ESD website. They've changed the rules a few times.

It's actually 3 job search activities per week, not necessarily 3 applications. Can include networking, job fairs, resume submissions, etc.

Good advice, though I've heard their phone lines are really hard to get through on.

They really are. I spent hours trying to call them about my adjudication status. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through in like 15 minutes. Worth every penny when you're stressed about benefits.

I keep seeing Claimyr mentioned. Is it legit? Seems too good to be true.

It's real. They basically automate the calling process so you don't have to sit there redialing. You just tell them when you're available and they call you back when they get through to Washington ESD.

Great idea. I'll scan everything and keep digital copies too.

Smart! Digital copies are handy for quick reference when you're on the phone with Washington ESD.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared now. Going to gather everything this weekend and file early next week.

Good luck! The application process itself isn't too bad once you have all your documents ready. Just be patient with the Washington ESD website - it can be slow sometimes.

I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Hopefully the application goes smoothly!

The application usually does go smoothly if you have all your documents ready. It's the follow-up questions that can be tricky if your claim goes into adjudication.