Where do you sign up for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! Do I need to have my last pay stub or anything like that when I apply?

Not required for the initial application, but having your last few pay stubs helps you fill out the wage information more accurately.

Yeah the Washington ESD website can be glitchy. Try early morning or late evening when fewer people are online.

Good tip, I'll try that. Thanks!

Wow 3 hours? That's insane. Is there any way to get through faster?

Actually, I discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call on your behalf and connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

What's WorkSource Washington? Is that separate from the unemployment application?

It's the state's job search portal. You have to register there and document your job search activities to keep getting unemployment benefits. Part of the requirements.

The job search requirements are such a pain. You have to apply to 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records.

Did you have any issues with your application getting approved?

nah went through fine, started getting payments about 2 weeks later

What's adjudication? Sounds scary.

It's just when Washington ESD reviews your claim to make sure you're eligible. Usually happens if there are questions about why you lost your job or your work history.

My claim went into adjudication for 6 weeks because my employer contested it. Was awful not knowing if I'd get benefits.

How do you file the weekly claims? Same website?

Yes, same eservices.esd.wa.gov site. You log in every Sunday and answer questions about your job search and any work you did that week.

I feel your pain. The phone system is completely broken. Have you tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier? Might be worth a shot if you're desperate.

Never heard of it but at this point I'll try anything. Thanks for the suggestion.

You file in the state where you worked, not where you live. So if your job was in Washington, you file with Washington ESD even if you're new to the state.

Perfect, that's what I was hoping. Thanks!

What if you quit because of unsafe working conditions? Does that count?

That might qualify as 'good cause' but you'd need to document the unsafe conditions and show you tried to resolve it with your employer first.

That's really good advice. I'll start keeping records from day one.

Smart approach. I wish I had done that when my claim got messed up. Took forever to sort out without proper documentation.

Good point. I was thinking about waiting a week or two to see what happens with some job applications, but I'll file tomorrow instead.

Definitely file ASAP. You can always cancel if you don't need it, but those missed weeks can't be recovered.

This is such important advice. I made that mistake and lost out on $2,000 in benefits because I waited too long to file.

Can you set up direct deposit during the initial application?

Yes, there's a section for banking information where you can enter your account details for direct deposit.

I used it twice when I needed to check on my claim status. Both times they got me connected within an hour instead of me spending my whole day calling. Worth it when you really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

How does it work exactly? Do they just call for you?

Yeah, you give them your info and they handle the calling and waiting. When an agent is available, they conference you in. Check out that demo video I mentioned earlier if you want to see how it works.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. How much do they typically withhold for taxes?

I think it's 10% federal tax withholding if you elect it. Washington state doesn't have income tax so no state withholding needed.