Where do I go to collect unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about the process

Everything is done online through Washington ESD now. You don't go anywhere to 'collect' - you file your initial application at esd.wa.gov and then file weekly claims online to get paid. Haven't been physical offices for regular claims in years.

You'll need to create an account on SecureAccess Washington first before you can access the Washington ESD unemployment system. Make sure you have all your employment info ready - last employer details, wages, dates worked, etc.

Had the same confusion when I got laid off. The whole process is online but calling Washington ESD to check on things is nearly impossible. I spent hours trying to get through to someone when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

Just file online ASAP. There's a waiting week in Washington so the sooner you file the better. Don't wait around thinking about it.

ugh the washington unemployment system is so confusing compared to other states. everything online but then when you need help good luck getting anyone on the phone!!!

Don't forget you'll need to do job search activities too. Washington requires you to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them.

Been collecting UI for 2 months now. The weekly claims are easy once you get the hang of it. Just answer the same questions every week about whether you worked, looked for work, etc.

Make sure you have direct deposit set up or you'll be waiting forever for paper checks. The online system lets you add your bank info during the application.

Update on the Claimyr thing - it actually worked for me. Got connected to an Washington ESD rep within like 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. Worth it when you're stuck and need answers.

One thing nobody mentioned - if you worked in other states in the past 18 months you might need to file an interstate claim. That adds extra steps to the process.

The Washington ESD website has a bunch of tutorials and FAQs that actually help. Don't just jump into filing without reading through some of that stuff first.

Pro tip: file early in the morning or late evening to avoid peak times when the system gets slow. Sunday mornings work great for weekly claims.

whatever you do dont mess up your weekly claims. if you miss filing one week it can mess up your whole claim and then youll be calling washington esd for weeks trying to fix it

I was so scared to file at first but honestly the online system is pretty user-friendly. Just take your time reading each question and don't rush through it.

If your claim gets flagged for adjudication don't panic. It just means they need to verify something about your employment or separation. Usually gets resolved within a few weeks.

Just to follow up on Claimyr again since someone asked - you basically tell them what you need help with and they call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to the right person. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Bottom line - start at esd.wa.gov, create your SecureAccess Washington account, file your initial claim, then file weekly claims every week. That's the basic process.

Also remember to keep records of everything - screenshots of your claims, confirmation numbers, any correspondence. You never know when you'll need to reference something later.

Been through this process twice now and it gets easier each time. First time was overwhelming but now I know exactly what to expect.

One last thing - make sure your contact info is always up to date in the system. Washington ESD will send important notices to whatever address and phone number you have on file.