What documents to take to Washington ESD unemployment office appointment?

Definitely bring your termination letter or separation notice if you have one. Also bring your ID, Social Security card, and at least 4-6 recent pay stubs. If you have any written communication with your employer about the separation (emails, texts, etc.), bring those too.

Bring everything you can think of honestly. I went last month and they asked for stuff I didn't expect like my W-2 from the previous year and bank statements showing my direct deposits.

I had the same issue getting through to Washington ESD for weeks before my appointment. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone to clarify what to bring, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person at claimyr.com. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth trying if you need to ask specific questions before your appointment.

For separation issues specifically, bring: 1) Government ID 2) Termination letter/separation notice 3) Last 6 pay stubs 4) Any disciplinary actions or warnings 5) Unemployment benefit award letter 6) Any correspondence from your employer about the separation. Also bring a notebook to take notes during the meeting.

ugh i hate these appointments they always want MORE paperwork than what they tell you initially. bring EVERYTHING unemployment related you have in a folder

Also make sure you arrive 15 minutes early and have your Social Security number memorized. They'll ask for it multiple times throughout the appointment. If your case involves job search activities, bring your WorkSourceWA job search log as well.

Don't forget to bring proof of address too - utility bill or lease agreement. They asked me for that at my appointment even though it wasn't on the list they gave me over the phone.

If you're dealing with adjudication issues, definitely bring any medical documentation if that's relevant to your separation. I had to bring FMLA paperwork for my case.

One more thing - if you haven't been able to get through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions beforehand, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can really help. I used it twice before my appointment to clarify what I needed to bring and it saved me from bringing a ton of unnecessary paperwork.

bring a snack and water bottle too these appointments can take FOREVER. i was there for 3 hours last time

Here's a complete checklist for Washington ESD in-person appointments: Government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, termination/separation documents, last 6 pay stubs, any employer correspondence about separation, benefit award letter, WorkSourceWA job search log (if applicable), proof of address, and any medical documentation if relevant to your case. Bring originals plus copies.

Make sure all your documents are organized in a folder or binder. Don't just throw everything in a bag - it looks unprofessional and wastes time during the appointment.

If you have any questions about what specific documents they need for your particular case, you might want to call ahead. Though getting through can be tough - I know some people have used services like Claimyr to actually reach a human at Washington ESD when the regular phone lines are jammed.

Also bring a pen! They might have forms for you to fill out at the appointment and you don't want to have to ask to borrow one.

question - do they allow phones/electronics in the building? i want to have my phone for any digital documents but some government buildings dont allow them

Don't forget to check the weather and dress appropriately. You might be walking between buildings or waiting outside if they're running behind and the waiting room is full.

One last tip - write down your questions beforehand. It's easy to forget what you wanted to ask when you're in the appointment and they're going through everything quickly.

Update us after your appointment and let us know how it went! This thread has been really helpful for preparing.