Where to apply for unemployment person - Washington ESD application process help

You apply online through Washington ESD's website at esd.wa.gov. Click on 'Apply for Benefits' and it will walk you through the whole process. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your bank account info if you want direct deposit. Don't go to WorkSource first - that's for job search stuff later.

Make sure you have all your employer information ready - exact dates you worked, addresses, supervisor names if you remember them. The application asks for a lot of details and if you don't have it all ready you might have to start over.

I just went through this last month and spent hours trying to get through to Washington ESD on the phone to ask questions. The wait times are insane - like 2-3 hours if you even get through. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me connected to a real agent in under 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I had questions about my application.

pro tip - apply early in the week if possible, like Monday or Tuesday morning. The system tends to be slower on Fridays and weekends when everyone is trying to file their weekly claims

Just a heads up - even though you apply online, there's still a lot of follow-up stuff. You'll need to register with WorkSource within a few weeks and do job searches. Don't ignore those requirements or they'll stop your benefits.

The whole system is confusing tbh. I applied three times before I got it right because I kept forgetting information or entering dates wrong. Take your time and double-check everything before submitting.

Also make sure you're on the RIGHT website. There are some fake unemployment sites that look official but aren't. Always go to esd.wa.gov and look for the secure connection symbol in your browser.

One more thing - after you submit your application, you'll get a confirmation number. SAVE THAT NUMBER. You'll need it if you have to call Washington ESD about your claim status. Also, they'll mail you information about filing your weekly claims, so watch for that.

I've been on unemployment twice and both times the hardest part was just getting started. Once you figure out the system it's not too bad, but that first application is intimidating. You got this!

Quick question - do you need to apply right away or can you wait a few days? I'm asking because I've heard conflicting info about back-dating claims.

Don't forget you'll also need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't already have one. That's separate from the unemployment application but you need it to access your claim information later.

I had to use Claimyr twice during my unemployment period - once when my claim was pending for weeks with no explanation, and once when I got confused about job search requirements. Both times they got me through to someone who could actually help instead of just reading me the same info from the website.

make sure you have a quiet place to fill out the application because it times out if you take too long on any one page. learned that the hard way when my kids were being loud and I kept getting distracted lol

The application asks why you're unemployed so be ready to explain your situation. Since you said you were laid off, that should be straightforward. It's trickier for people who quit or were fired.

Does anyone know if you can save your progress on the application and come back to it later? Or do you have to do it all in one sitting?

Just remember that filing for unemployment is your right if you've been working and paying into the system. Don't feel bad about applying - you've earned these benefits through your work history.

The Washington ESD website has a pretty good checklist of what you need before you start the application. I'd recommend looking at that first so you're not scrambling for information halfway through.

One last thing - after you apply, you might get requests for additional documentation. Don't ignore those! They're usually time-sensitive and if you miss the deadline it can delay or even deny your claim. If you get confused about what they're asking for, that's another time Claimyr can be really helpful for getting quick clarification from Washington ESD staff.

Good luck with your application! The hardest part is just getting started. Once you get your first payment you'll feel so much better about the whole situation.

You're welcome! Feel free to come back and ask if you run into any issues during the process. This community is pretty good about helping each other navigate the Washington ESD system.