Where to file unemployment in Washington - confused about the process

You need to file online through the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) website. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' link. You'll need to create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account if you don't already have one. Don't go to WorkSource for filing - that's for job search assistance.

You need to go to the official Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov to file your initial claim. Don't use any third-party sites that might charge you fees. The process is free through the state website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment.

Make sure you have all your documents ready before you start the application. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked.

The Washington ESD online system can be really confusing at first. You'll create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) which is the state's login portal, then that gets you into the unemployment system. Make sure you have all your employer info ready because the system times out if you take too long.

Just a heads up - the Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible if you need to call them. I spent weeks trying to get through when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Thankfully I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me actually reach an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to call on my own.

I struggled with this same issue last month. Kept calling Washington ESD but could never get through - always busy signals or got disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD within minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to get answers about my claim.

The key thing is to file online at esd.wa.gov, not by phone unless you absolutely have to. Phone filing takes much longer and the lines are always jammed. When you file online, you'll get a confirmation number - write that down! You'll need it to check your claim status later.

The Washington ESD website can be confusing at first but once you get used to it it's pretty straightforward. The hardest part is usually waiting for your claim to be processed if it goes into adjudication.

make sure you have your separation reason ready too. if you were laid off thats different than if you quit or got fired. washington esd will ask specific questions about why your employment ended

File as soon as possible! Benefits are backdated to when you file, not when you were laid off. So if you wait a week, you lose a week of benefits.

One thing they don't tell you upfront - you have to keep filing weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed. I made the mistake of thinking I should wait until I got approved, but you're supposed to keep certifying from the very first week.

I filed mine last month and it was pretty easy. The website walks you through each step. Just make sure you answer all the questions accurately because they will verify everything.

Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed! I made that mistake and it delayed my benefits.

Washington ESD is such a nightmare to deal with... took me 6 weeks to get my first payment last year because they kept asking for more documentation. Make sure you upload everything they ask for immediately or your claim will get stuck in adjudication hell.

The system is so confusing honestly. I wish they would simplify it. But yeah like everyone said, start at esd.wa.gov and follow the prompts.

Also heads up - you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirements. That's a separate website (workSourcewa.com) but it's mandatory. You have to log job search activities every week when you file your weekly claim.

I'm going through this process right now too. Filed my claim 2 weeks ago and still waiting to hear back. The website says it can take up to 3 weeks for a determination, which seems crazy when people need money for rent and groceries.

Been there! When I was trying to get updates on my claim status after filing, I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD no matter what time I called. Someone here recommended Claimyr and I was skeptical at first, but they actually got me through to an agent who explained exactly what was happening with my claim. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

Quick tip: take screenshots of everything when you file online. The system glitches sometimes and you might need proof that you submitted something. I learned this the hard way when my weekly claim disappeared and I had to refile it.

Don't forget you might be eligible for the extra $25 per week if you qualify for the additional benefits program. Not everyone knows about this but it's worth checking when you file.

Make sure your mailing address is correct in the system! I moved recently and forgot to update it, so all my correspondence from Washington ESD went to my old address. Caused a huge delay in my claim processing.

The whole system is so outdated and confusing. Why can't they just streamline this process like other states have done? It shouldn't be this complicated to get unemployment benefits when you lose your job through no fault of your own.

For what it's worth, once you get through the initial filing process and your claim is approved, the weekly filing becomes pretty routine. It's just that first hurdle that's the worst part of dealing with Washington ESD.

Last thing - keep records of all your job search activities from day one, even before you file your claim. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time and you need to have documentation ready.

I had a friend who used that Claimyr service mentioned earlier when she couldn't get through to Washington ESD about her stuck claim. She said it was actually pretty straightforward - they just handle the calling part so you don't have to sit on hold forever. Might be worth considering if you run into issues after filing.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource for the job search requirements once your claim is approved. That's separate from filing the initial claim though.

I'm going through the same thing right now. Lost my job two weeks ago and just filed yesterday. The application took about 30 minutes to complete.

Whatever you do, don't try to file over the phone unless you absolutely have to. The online system is way faster and less frustrating.

Just to clarify - you create your account at SecureAccess Washington first, then use that login to access the ESD unemployment system. It's all connected.

Been there, it's stressful when you first get laid off. Just take it step by step and you'll get through the process. The hardest part is usually the waiting.

Pro tip: screenshot or write down your confirmation number when you submit your application. You'll need it if you have to call them later about your claim.

The Washington ESD website has a good FAQ section too if you get stuck on any part of the application. Covers most common questions.

If you run into any technical issues with the website, try a different browser or clear your cache. Their system can be finicky sometimes.

Once you file your initial claim, you should get a letter in the mail within a few days with more information about your benefits and next steps.

Don't stress too much about making mistakes on the application. You can usually fix minor errors later if needed.

Good luck with your application! The process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that complicated once you dive in.

One more thing - if your claim gets complicated and you need to reach ESD by phone, definitely consider using Claimyr. I wish I'd known about it earlier in my claim process. Would have saved me tons of time and frustration.