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

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Also have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup.

Make sure you have your alien registration number if you're not a US citizen, and any military service info if applicable. The Washington ESD application is pretty thorough.

I just filed last month and it was easier than I expected. You can do it all online at esd.wa.gov. The hardest part was remembering exact dates for all my previous jobs. I'd suggest making a list with employer names, addresses, phone numbers, supervisor names, start/end dates, and your final wage before you start the application.

One thing that really helped me was using Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD representative when I had questions about my application. I was worried I'd filled something out wrong and couldn't get through on the phone lines. Found them at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an agent who walked me through everything. They even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing. i tried filing online last week and got stuck on the work search requirements part. do you have to register with worksource before filing or can you do it after??

Don't forget you'll need to know why you were separated from your job. If it was a layoff that's straightforward, but if you were fired or quit you'll need to explain the circumstances. Be honest but brief.

I had to gather all this same info when I filed 6 months ago. One tip - if you worked for a temp agency or had multiple short-term jobs, make sure you include ALL of them even if they were just a few weeks. Washington ESD uses all your wages from the past year to calculate your benefit amount.

The Washington ESD application asks for your preferred language for correspondence and whether you need any accommodations. Also make sure your mailing address is current since they send important notices by mail.

Just a heads up that after you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments. The initial application is just step one. You'll also need to complete work search activities and report any work or income each week.

I remember being really nervous about filing too. The most important things are having your SSN, employment history with dates, and knowing your separation reason. Everything else you can figure out as you go through the application. Washington ESD's website actually walks you through each step pretty clearly.

One more thing - make sure you file as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's no waiting period in Washington but you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file your claim.

The system will also ask about any pension or retirement income you might be receiving. Most people don't have this but it's worth mentioning since it can affect your benefit amount if you do.

I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone about my weekly claim filing and it was a lifesaver. The regular phone lines were always busy but they got me through to an actual person who could answer my questions about work search requirements.

Don't stress too much about having every single detail perfect. I made a small mistake on my application (got one employer's address wrong) and Washington ESD just contacted me to correct it. They're used to dealing with people who are stressed and make minor errors.

make sure you know if you want direct deposit or a debit card for payments. i chose direct deposit and got my first payment faster than friends who used the debit card option

The application will ask about your availability for work and any restrictions you might have on the type of work you can accept. Be honest but don't be overly restrictive or it could affect your eligibility.

Last tip - after you submit your application, you should get a confirmation number. Write it down! You might need it if you have to call Washington ESD about your claim status.

If you run into any issues reaching Washington ESD after filing, I had good luck with Claimyr too. Sometimes you need to talk to someone about adjudication delays or claim issues and the regular phone lines are impossible. Worth having as a backup option.

Remember that filing is just the beginning. You'll need to keep filing weekly claims and doing work searches to continue receiving benefits. But don't worry about all that right now - just focus on getting that initial application submitted!