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

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason you left each job. Also gather any separation paperwork from your recent job - like termination letters or layoff notices.

Make sure you have your bank account information ready for direct deposit setup. You'll also need to know your gross wages from your last employer - check your final paystub or W2 from last year. The application asks for specific dollar amounts.

I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions during my application. Spent hours on hold. If you run into that problem, I found claimyr.com really helpful - they have a service that helps you get through to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington too! That's separate from your UI claim but required for job search activities. They'll ask about that during the application process.

ugh the whole process is such a pain. took me forever to get through all the questions and then they wanted more documentation anyway

One thing people forget - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, you might need to file in a different state than Washington. The system will tell you if that applies to you.

Make sure you know the exact reason you were laid off. Was it lack of work, position eliminated, company downsizing? Washington ESD cares about the specific reason and it affects your eligibility.

You might want to have your alien registration number ready if you're not a US citizen. Also any military discharge papers if you served in the last few years.

Pro tip: have your phone ready when you submit the application. Sometimes they call to verify information right away, and missing that call can delay your claim.

Double check that all your personal info matches exactly with Social Security records - name spelling, date of birth, SSN. Any mismatches can cause delays in processing.

i wish someone had told me to apply online early in the morning. the website gets really slow in the afternoons and evenings when everyone's trying to use it

Have a quiet space and time set aside. The application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. Don't rush through it because mistakes can cause problems later.

If you do run into issues during the application or after filing, don't spend days trying to get through on the phone. I used claimyr.com when I had problems and they got me connected to an actual Washington ESD representative in minutes instead of hours of waiting.

Make sure you understand the difference between gross and net wages when they ask for salary information. They want gross (before taxes and deductions).

Don't forget to save or screenshot your confirmation number after you submit. You'll need it to check on your claim status later.

If you have any union involvement or pension from your employer, have that information ready too. Not everyone needs it but if it applies to you, they'll ask.

Remember you can't collect unemployment if you're getting severance pay. Make sure you know when any severance period ends before you apply.

One last thing - after you file, you'll need to file weekly claims to keep getting benefits. Set a reminder because missing a week can mess up your payments.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared now. Going to gather all my documents tonight and apply first thing tomorrow morning.