What documents do I need to bring to file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thank you! I have most of that stuff. Do I need to bring actual physical copies or can I just have the information written down?

You can just have the information ready since you'll be entering it into the online system. But keep the documents handy in case you need to verify anything.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. I had three different jobs in the last 18 months. Do I need pay stubs from all of them?

You don't necessarily need pay stubs from all of them, but you'll need the employer names, addresses, dates you worked, and your wages. Your W-2 forms would have most of this info.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD directly. I had questions about my work history and couldn't get through on the phone. Check out claimyr.com - they help you actually reach an agent who can walk you through what you need. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

I was laid off due to company restructuring. Should I bring the layoff notice they gave me?

Yes, definitely bring that layoff notice. It's great documentation to have and will help if there are any questions about your separation during the adjudication process.

Two hours?! That seems like a lot. Was it complicated or did you just not have everything ready?

bit of both honestly. the questions about work history were confusing and I had to call my old boss to get some dates. plus the website kept timing out

What do you mean I can't get benefits for the week I file? So if I file on Wednesday, I lose those days?

Exactly. You can only claim benefits for complete weeks, so if you file mid-week, you lose those days. That's why it's better to file early in the week if possible.

Actually that's not quite right. You can backdate your claim to the Sunday of the week you became unemployed, but you have to specifically request it. Washington ESD doesn't automatically backdate.

That's a good point. I work for a small local business and I'm not sure what their official legal name is.

Check your last pay stub or W-2. The legal name should be on there along with their federal tax ID number which you'll also need.

I'm a US citizen so that doesn't apply to me, but good to know. Where on the Washington ESD website is that checklist?

It's under the 'Apply for Benefits' section. They have a whole page about what documents you need before you start the application.

That makes sense. I'll double-check all my dates and numbers before submitting.

Yeah, they definitely verify everything. My claim went into adjudication because there was a discrepancy in my start date. Took weeks to resolve.

Do I need to start job searching immediately or can I wait until my claim is approved?

You need to start job searching right away. The requirements kick in as soon as you file your claim, not when it's approved.

This is where Claimyr really helped me. I wasn't sure about the job search requirements and couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone. Used their service to talk to an actual agent who explained everything clearly.

I think I have one from when I renewed my driver's license online. Is that the same thing?

yeah same login system. just make sure you remember your password because its a pain to reset

I only worked in Washington state, so I should be fine filing here, right?

Yes, if all your work was in Washington, you'll file your claim with Washington ESD.

I worked in retail management. Is that different from regular retail?

Yes, management positions usually have different codes. The database will help you find the right one based on your specific duties.

How long does adjudication usually take?

It varies a lot. I've seen people wait 2-3 weeks, others wait 2-3 months. Depends on what they're investigating and how busy they are.

Mine took 6 weeks and I couldn't get any updates by calling. Finally used Claimyr to get through to someone who could actually check my file and tell me what was happening.

I'm not in a union and don't have a pension. Should I still mention that somewhere?

The application will ask about it, so you'll just answer 'no' to those questions. No need to bring any documentation for things that don't apply to you.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I feel much more prepared now!

Good luck with your claim! Remember to file your weekly claims on time every week, even if you haven't received your first payment yet.