Where do you go to file for unemployment in Washington - need help finding the right place

You don't need to go anywhere in person - everything is done online through the Washington ESD website. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need to create an account first if you don't have one already.

The Washington ESD offices are mostly closed for walk-ins now. Everything moved online during COVID and never really went back. The website can be confusing at first but it walks you through step by step.

File your claim as soon as possible but know that your waiting week starts the Sunday of the week you become unemployed. So if you were laid off Friday, your benefit year technically starts this past Sunday. Don't wait too long though - there are deadlines.

I struggled with this too when I got laid off. Spent hours trying to get through on the phone to ask basic questions. Finally found out about Claimyr which actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD who walked me through the whole process. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

make sure you have your bank info ready for direct deposit, they ask for that right away. also prepare for the site to be slow, especially on mondays

The whole system is a nightmare. Took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because of some stupid verification issue. Make sure you answer every question exactly right the first time or you'll be stuck in adjudication hell.

Here's the step by step: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov 2) Click 'Apply for Unemployment Benefits' 3) Create your SecureAccess Washington account if needed 4) Complete the application - takes about 30-45 minutes 5) Submit and wait for your monetary determination letter

Don't forget you have to do job search activities starting right away. Washington requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to log them in the system.

I had to call Washington ESD three times during my claim because I kept getting confusing notices. Each time I waited 2+ hours on hold. That Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier actually sounds useful for avoiding that nightmare.

Pro tip: Print or screenshot your confirmation page after you submit your application. You'll get a confirmation number that's useful to have if you need to call later. Also check your email for next steps within 24-48 hours.

Most important thing is to be completely honest about why you were separated from your job. If they find out later you weren't truthful it can cause major problems with your claim.

One more thing - after you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every Sunday to keep getting benefits. Don't miss a week or you could lose eligibility for that period.

Washington ESD's website crashes all the time and their phone system is garbage. Budget extra time for technical difficulties. The whole system is held together with duct tape and prayers.

if the website gives you trouble try using a different browser or clearing your cache. sometimes that fixes the glitches

Since you're new to this whole process, I'd really recommend having that Claimyr service handy just in case. When I was filing my claim I had so many questions that weren't clearly answered on the website. Being able to actually talk to a Washington ESD person made all the difference.

Bottom line: esd.wa.gov is your starting point. Have your employment history ready, be honest and complete in your answers, and don't wait to file. The system has its quirks but thousands of people successfully file claims every week.

Just remember the job search requirement starts immediately even during your waiting week. Don't let that catch you off guard when you file your first weekly claim.

Final checklist for you: Social Security card, ID, employment dates and addresses for last 18 months, bank info for direct deposit, reason for separation from your last job. Having all that ready will make the application much smoother.

One last thing - if you worked in another state in the past 18 months, that might complicate things. Washington ESD will need to coordinate with that state's unemployment office for your wage information.

The Washington ESD website has a pretty good tutorial section if you want to walk through the process before actually filing. Might help you feel more prepared.