What is collecting unemployment in Washington ESD - complete beginner here

Unemployment insurance (UI) is money you're entitled to when you lose your job through no fault of your own. It's not welfare - you and your employer paid into this system while you were working. You don't pay it back. In Washington, you typically get about 60-70% of your previous wages, up to a maximum of around $999 per week depending on your earnings history.

just filed mine yesterday took like 20 mins online super easy

The process is straightforward but getting through to Washington ESD when you have questions can be incredibly frustrating. I spent hours trying to call them when my claim got stuck. If you run into issues reaching them by phone, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they help you get through to ESD agents quickly. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's what you need to know about the weekly requirements: After your claim is approved, you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to continue receiving benefits. This involves confirming you're still unemployed, reporting any work or income, and documenting your job search activities. Washington requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get approved and Washington ESD keeps giving me the runaround. They put me in "adjudication" whatever that means and now I'm behind on rent. This whole thing is a nightmare!

Don't let the paperwork intimidate you. The initial application asks for basic info - your SSN, address, employment history, reason for separation from your last job. Be honest about everything. If you were laid off, that's perfect - no issues there. If you were fired or quit, that's where things can get complicated.

my coworker got like $2400 a month when she got laid off but i only got $1600. not fair if you ask me

One thing nobody mentioned - you usually have to serve a waiting week. That means your first week of unemployment you won't get paid for, even though you have to file the weekly claim. It's just how the system works in Washington.

Make sure you apply ASAP - benefits are backdated to when you file, not when you lost your job. Every day you wait is money you're losing. Also set up direct deposit because waiting for checks in the mail takes forever.

Been collecting for 3 months now and it's been a lifesaver. The weekly claims become routine after a few weeks. My only advice is to be religious about filing every week - if you miss a week you could lose benefits permanently.

Still waiting on my adjudication... this is ridiculous. How can they just leave people hanging like this with no income???

For context on payment amounts: Washington's minimum weekly benefit is $295 and maximum is $999 (as of 2025). Most people fall somewhere in between based on their work history. You can get an estimate of your benefit amount using the calculator on the ESD website before you apply.

also dont forget you have to look for work. they make you prove it now with that worksource thing

I remember being overwhelmed like you when I first applied. The whole thing seemed so complicated but honestly once you get through the initial application it's pretty routine. Just remember to keep good records of your job search and file your weekly claims on time.

Pro tip: screenshot everything when you're filing claims online. Sometimes the system glitches and you need proof that you submitted something on time. Better safe than sorry.

One more thing - if you get a job offer while collecting, you generally have to take it if it's "suitable work." They define suitable as paying at least 80% of your previous wage after a certain number of weeks. Just something to keep in mind during your job search.

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Turns out they just needed me to verify my identity with additional documents. Wish I had known that 6 weeks ago instead of sitting in limbo!

To wrap up for the original poster: Unemployment insurance is temporary financial assistance while you look for work. You're entitled to it if you lost your job through no fault of your own. Apply online at esd.wa.gov, file weekly claims, keep job search records, and don't hesitate to get help if you run into issues. It's there to help you get back on your feet.