Where to file for unemployment in Washington - confused about the process

You file everything online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. There's no need to go to a physical office anymore - they moved everything online years ago. You'll need to create an account and then file your initial application. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready.

the washington esd website is so confusing though!! i tried to file last month and kept getting error messages. took me like 3 tries to actually get through the whole application

I had a similar issue with the Washington ESD website being difficult to navigate when I filed my claim. After struggling for days trying to get through by phone, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually helped me reach an ESD agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I needed help with my application.

Here's the step-by-step process for filing in Washington: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov and click 'File a Claim for Benefits' 2) Create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't have one 3) Complete the online application with your work history, reason for separation, etc. 4) Submit your application 5) Wait for your monetary determination letter 6) If approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. The whole initial process usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready.

MAKE SURE you file as soon as possible! I waited two weeks thinking I needed to get paperwork from HR first and I lost out on those weeks of benefits. You can't backdate claims in Washington except in very specific circumstances.

One thing to be aware of - after you file your initial claim, you MUST file a weekly claim every single week to get paid, even if you haven't received your approval yet. I see so many people miss this step and then wonder why they're not getting benefits. The weekly claims are separate from your initial application.

I filed my claim three months ago and it's still pending in adjudication hell. The Washington ESD system is completely overwhelmed and understaffed. Sometimes I wonder if it's even worth the hassle.

wait so there's no physical offices anymore? what if you don't have internet at home or need help with the computer stuff?

Pro tip: File your claim early in the morning or late at night when the website is less busy. I tried filing during business hours and kept getting timeout errors. Filed at 6 AM and it went through perfectly.

Does anyone know if you have to be a Washington resident to file with Washington ESD? I worked in Washington but live across the border in Oregon.

I'm confused about the difference between filing a claim and filing for weekly benefits. Are these the same thing or separate steps?

Washington ESD also requires you to register with WorkSource within a certain timeframe after filing. Don't forget that step or it can delay your benefits.

I filed my claim last year and the whole process was actually pretty straightforward once I got started. The hardest part was just figuring out where to begin, but once you're on the ESD website it walks you through everything step by step.

Just wanted to add - if you get stuck during the application process or need to speak with someone about your specific situation, don't give up on trying to contact ESD. I know people complain about not being able to get through, but I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent when I needed clarification about my work history reporting. Really saved me from making mistakes on my application.

Make sure you have your bank account information ready when you file - they'll ask how you want to receive payments. Direct deposit is fastest.

One last thing - keep detailed records of everything once you start the process. Save confirmation numbers, print out important pages, keep track of all your weekly claim submissions. If anything goes wrong later, you'll need that documentation.