Where can I sign up for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thank you! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after losing my job or should I apply right away?

Apply as soon as possible! Your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you lost your job. Waiting just delays your payments.

What if I had multiple jobs in the past year? Do I need to list all of them?

Yes, list all employers from the past 18 months. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your benefit amount based on your earnings history.

Good to know about the phone issues. How long did it take for your claim to be approved?

Mine took about 2 weeks, but that was pretty standard. Some people get stuck in adjudication longer if there are questions about their separation.

What's Claimyr exactly? Is it legit or just another scam service?

It's legitimate - they help you get through to ESD agents when the phone lines are busy. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Keep detailed records!

What happens if I miss filing a weekly claim?

You can usually file a late claim but it's better to stay on schedule. Set a reminder for yourself to file every Sunday.

Severance is usually considered wages and will be deducted from your unemployment benefits for the weeks it covers. You need to report it when you file.

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the heads up.

What if I don't have my W-2 from last year anymore?

You can usually get a copy from your former employer or the IRS. Washington ESD can also help verify your wages if needed.

That's good news! So I could potentially get paid for this week if I apply today?

Yes, as long as your claim is approved and you meet all the requirements. The sooner you apply, the better.

What happens if there's a discrepancy between what I say and what my employer reports?

Your claim will go into adjudication and they'll investigate. Can delay your benefits for weeks or even result in denial if they think you were dishonest.

That's really convenient. About how long does the application take to complete?

Maybe 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready. The system saves your progress so you can take breaks if needed.

Is that a separate registration from the unemployment application?

Yes, it's separate but connected. Washington ESD will tell you when you need to register, usually within a few weeks of filing your initial claim.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth checking out their website for current info. For me, getting connected to resolve my claim issue was worth it compared to the weeks I might have waited otherwise.

That's reassuring to hear. I was worried it would be really complicated.

It's really not that bad. Just read the instructions carefully and don't rush through it. Better to take your time and get it right the first time.

What if I get sick after I start receiving benefits?

You need to report it on your weekly claim. If you're not able to work due to illness, you won't be eligible for benefits that week.

You're right, I should stop procrastinating and just do it today. Thanks for the motivation!

Exactly! And don't worry if you make a small mistake - you can usually correct it later. The important thing is getting your claim started.

Good point! I definitely want to avoid any unnecessary fees.

Yeah, the debit card has ATM fees and other charges. Direct deposit goes straight to your bank account with no fees.

Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues during the process.

You've got this! And remember, if you need to talk to someone at ESD, Claimyr is there as a backup option.

Smart thinking. I'll make sure to document everything as I go through the process.

That's what I'm hoping for. Thanks to everyone who took the time to help out a newbie!