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

You need to go to the official Washington State Employment Security Department website at esd.wa.gov. From there you can file your initial claim online. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready.

The website can be confusing at first. Look for the 'Apply for Benefits' button on the main page. You'll create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) if you don't already have one.

I had trouble getting through when I filed last month. The system gets overloaded during busy times. If you can't get online, there's also a phone number but good luck getting through - I tried calling Washington ESD for days before I discovered claimyr.com which actually got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

whatever you do dont go to any site that asks for money upfront to file your claim!! the official washington esd site is free

Here's the step-by-step process: 1) Go to esd.wa.gov 2) Click 'Apply for Benefits' 3) Create your SecureAccess Washington account if needed 4) Complete the initial claim application 5) Wait for your monetary determination letter 6) Start filing weekly claims once approved. The whole initial application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your info ready.

Make sure you file as soon as possible! Benefits are backdated to when you become unemployed but only if you file within a reasonable time. Don't wait thinking you'll find a job quickly.

I'm confused about something - do I file where I live or where I worked? My job was in Seattle but I live in Tacoma.

The website is esd.wa.gov but sometimes people get confused and go to other sites. Make sure the URL says 'wa.gov' - that's how you know it's the official Washington state site.

One thing they don't tell you upfront - you have to be able and available for work and actively searching for jobs while collecting benefits. Start keeping a job search log from day one even if you think you might get called back to your old job.

Also be prepared for the waiting week. You won't get paid for your first week of unemployment even if you're approved. It's like a deductible.

I remember being overwhelmed by all the questions on the application. Take your time and read each question carefully. If you make mistakes, it can delay your claim.

Just remembered another thing - if you run into problems during the application process or need to speak to someone at Washington ESD, the regular phone lines are impossible. I ended up using Claimyr again when I had questions about my job search requirements. So much easier than trying to get through the main number.

Don't forget you'll need an address where you can receive mail. Washington ESD still sends important notices by regular mail, not just email.

The system usually works pretty well once you get started. The hardest part is just figuring out where to go initially. After you file your first weekly claim, it becomes routine.

Make sure you understand the difference between your initial claim and your weekly claims. You only file the initial claim once, but then you have to file weekly claims every week to actually receive benefits.

One more tip - create your online account even if you plan to call. Having the account set up makes everything easier and you can check your claim status online instead of calling.

Good luck with your claim! Most people's claims go through without problems. Just be thorough with your application and keep good records of your job search.

Also remember that if your claim gets complicated or you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about specific issues, services like Claimyr can save you hours of frustration trying to get through on the phone. I wish I had known about it sooner!

The main thing is don't panic if something seems confusing. The Washington ESD staff can help explain things if you can reach them, and there are lots of resources online. You've got this!