Where can I go to file for unemployment in Washington state?

Everything is online now through Washington ESD's website. You'll need to go to esd.wa.gov and create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). It's all digital - no need to go anywhere in person unless you have special circumstances.

The online system is pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll need your social security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. Make sure you have all your previous employer information ready including addresses and dates of employment.

Fair warning - the website can be really slow and glitchy, especially on Mondays when everyone's trying to file their weekly claims. If you get stuck or can't get through, there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents when the phone lines are jammed. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

You should file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before benefits start, and you can't get paid for weeks you don't claim. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed. Don't wait thinking you might find a job quickly - you can always stop claiming if you get hired.

ugh the washington esd website is such a nightmare. took me like 3 tries to get through the application without it timing out

One important thing - make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing weekly claims. You file the initial claim once to establish your benefit year, then you have to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Both are done through the same website but they're separate processes.

I remember when you used to have to go to the unemployment office in person and wait in those horrible lines. The online system is definitely better even if it's buggy sometimes.

Pro tip: when you create your SAW account, write down your username and password immediately. I forgot mine and had to go through the whole account recovery process which took forever.

If you run into any issues with your application or if it gets stuck in adjudication, that's when you might need to call Washington ESD. The phone lines are usually swamped but that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can help you get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold for hours.

Make sure you have a good email address that you check regularly because Washington ESD sends important notifications through email. I almost missed a request for additional information because I wasn't checking my email.

Also keep in mind that you'll need to meet the job search requirements once your claim is active. You have to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. You can do this through WorkSourceWA or track it yourself.

The whole process is honestly pretty straightforward once you get started. Don't overthink it - just go to esd.wa.gov and follow the prompts. The worst part is probably just waiting to hear back about your eligibility.

I've been through this process twice now (thanks 2020 and 2023) and honestly the hardest part is just getting started. Once you have your account set up and your first claim filed, the weekly claims become routine.

Whatever you do, don't procrastinate on this. I waited like 2 weeks thinking I'd find something quickly and ended up missing out on those first weeks of benefits. You can't backdate your claim start date.

Just to add - if you were laid off due to no fault of your own (like company downsizing), your application should be pretty straightforward. If you were fired or quit, there might be more questions about eligibility.

The Washington ESD customer service can be helpful if you can get through to them, but like others mentioned, the wait times are brutal. I spent 3 hours on hold last month just to ask a simple question about my weekly claim.

One last thing - when you do your weekly claims, be honest about any work you do or money you earn. Even small amounts need to be reported. It's better to report it and have your benefits adjusted than to get in trouble later.

Thanks for asking this question OP, I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful. Going to file my claim tomorrow morning.

Washington's unemployment system has definitely improved over the years but it's still not perfect. Just be patient with the process and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.

Update us on how it goes! And remember, if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through on your own, that Claimyr service has been a lifesaver for a lot of people in this community.