What to do during unemployment - confused about Washington ESD requirements

Welcome to the club unfortunately. Yes you need to start your job search immediately and keep detailed records. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and log them all. You'll also need to file weekly claims every Sunday starting the week after you filed your initial claim.

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA registration too! You have to register there within a certain timeframe or your benefits can get suspended. The whole system is confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it.

I was in your exact situation 8 months ago and struggled for weeks trying to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status. The phone lines are absolutely brutal - I'd call hundreds of times and never get through. Then someone told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually gets you connected to ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Honestly saved my sanity during those first few weeks.

ugh the washington esd system is such a nightmare. been dealing with this bureaucratic mess for months now. they make everything so complicated on purpose i swear

Here's the basic weekly routine you need to follow: 1) File your weekly claim every Sunday between 6am Monday and 11:59pm Saturday, 2) Apply for at least 3 jobs and document everything, 3) Be available for work (don't plan any vacations without notifying ESD), 4) Report any work or income even if it's just a few hours. Miss any of these and your benefits can be delayed or denied.

make sure you check your esd account regularly too for any messages or requests for info. they love to ask for random documents and if you miss the deadline you're screwed

One thing I wish someone had told me early on - if your claim goes into adjudication, don't panic. It's normal for them to review new claims, especially if there are any questions about your separation from your employer. Just be patient and respond promptly to any requests for information.

Also don't forget about the tax implications. Your unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might want to have taxes withheld or set money aside for tax season.

This brings back memories of when I first filed. The learning curve is steep but you'll figure it out. Just remember that Washington ESD is slow but they usually get things right eventually. Don't let the horror stories scare you too much.

Since you mentioned being confused about the requirements, I'd really recommend using Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at ESD directly. The regular phone lines are basically impossible to get through, but with their service you can actually get answers to your specific questions without wasting entire days calling.

Just want to add - don't turn down suitable work offers or you could lose your benefits. Washington ESD defines suitable work based on your skills and experience, but after a certain period they expect you to consider jobs that pay less than your previous position.

whatever you do dont lie about anything on your weekly claims. they audit these things and if they catch you in any inconsistency they'll make you pay everything back plus penalties

The job search requirement is probably the most important thing to stay on top of. I know people who lost weeks of benefits because they couldn't prove they were actively looking for work. Keep spreadsheets, save email confirmations, document everything.

One more thing - if you're thinking about going back to school or doing training programs, check with WorkSourceWA first. Some programs can help with your job search requirements and there might be funding available.

The whole system seems designed to confuse people honestly. I spent my first month doing everything wrong until I figured out the actual requirements. At least now there are resources like forums and services to help navigate it.

Just remember that every situation is different. What worked for me might not apply to your case, especially if you have any complications like being on standby status or having multiple employers. When in doubt, get official answers from ESD directly.

Been through this process twice now and the key is staying organized and not procrastinating on any requirements. Set up a system for tracking your job searches, mark your calendar for weekly claim filing, and don't let anything slide. Washington ESD is not forgiving about missed deadlines.

Good luck with everything! The first few weeks are the hardest as you learn the system, but it gets routine after that. Most people get through the process just fine as long as they follow the rules.

This thread is gold for anyone starting the unemployment process. Wish I had found something like this when I first filed. Would have saved me weeks of confusion and stress.

One last tip - if you ever need to appeal a decision or deal with an overpayment notice, don't ignore it. Washington ESD gives you limited time to respond and missing those deadlines can be costly. Get help if you need it but don't let things slide.