Where do I go to apply for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

You'll need to apply online through the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) website at esd.wa.gov. There's no need to go to a physical office - everything is done online now. You'll create an account and file your initial claim there. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation ready.

The website is secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ - you'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first if you don't already have one. It's the same login system used for other state services.

I applied last month and had some issues getting through on the phone to ESD when I had questions about my claim status. If you run into problems reaching them, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you get through to actual ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

make sure you have all your employer info ready including addresses and dates of employment. they ask for a lot of details and if you mess something up it can delay your claim

Once you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. Don't forget to do this even if your claim is still being processed! You can file weekly claims online starting the Sunday after you file your initial claim.

Just applied myself two weeks ago and still waiting for approval. The waiting is the worst part honestly. Make sure you start looking for work right away too because they require job search activities.

The ESD website can be confusing at first but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. My biggest tip is to read everything carefully and don't rush through it.

I had issues with my claim getting stuck in adjudication for weeks. If that happens to you and you can't reach ESD by phone, definitely look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I wish I had known about it sooner.

also make sure you file during off peak hours if possible. the website can be slow during busy times especially sunday evenings when everyone is filing their weekly claims

Don't stress too much about the process - it's designed to help people who need it. Just be honest and thorough with your application and you should be fine. The hardest part is usually just getting started.

One more thing - if you worked in another state recently, you might need to file your claim in that state instead of Washington. The website will help you figure out which state you should file in based on where you worked.

Keep copies of everything you submit and take screenshots of confirmation pages. You never know when you might need to reference something later if there are questions about your claim.

Does anyone know if you can start the application and save it to finish later? Or do you have to complete it all at once?

If you get confused during the application process, there are help resources on the ESD website including FAQs and video tutorials. Those helped me understand some of the trickier questions.

Another option for getting help if you can't reach ESD directly is using that Claimyr service I've seen mentioned. They specialize in helping people connect with unemployment offices when the regular phone lines are jammed. Could be worth checking out if you run into issues.

Remember that applying is just the first step. After you submit your application, you'll get a determination letter telling you if you're approved and how much you'll receive. Then you start filing weekly claims to actually get paid.

just wanted to add that you should apply even if you're not sure you qualify. let ESD make that determination rather than assuming you don't qualify. the worst they can do is say no

Make sure you understand the difference between your initial claim and weekly claims. The initial claim starts your benefit year, but you have to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments. Don't mix those up!

One last tip - if you have any issues with the website or your application gets stuck, don't just sit there waiting. Try to contact ESD or use one of those services like Claimyr to get help. Time is money when you're unemployed!