Where to go to file unemployment in Washington - need help with initial claim process

Everything is done online now through the Washington ESD website. You'll need to go to esd.wa.gov and create an account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your documents ready.

just filed mine last week, the website is pretty straightforward once you get started. make sure you have your bank account info too for direct deposit

The Washington ESD closed most of their physical offices during COVID and never reopened them. The online system at esd.wa.gov is your only option now. If you run into problems with the website or need to speak to someone, that's where it gets tricky because their phone lines are constantly busy.

Before you file, make sure you understand what information you'll need to provide about why you lost your job. Washington ESD will ask specific questions about whether you were laid off, fired, or quit. If you were fired they'll want to know the exact reason and if you quit they need to determine if it was for good cause.

ugh the washington esd website is such a pain. crashed on me twice when I was trying to file. had to start over both times because it doesn't save your progress

The system is designed to be confusing and frustrating. They don't want you to file because it costs them money. Been dealing with Washington ESD for years and it never gets easier.

Make sure you file as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a waiting week before benefits start but the sooner you file the sooner that clock starts ticking. Also Washington ESD has a 7-day rule where you have to file within a week of becoming unemployed or you might lose benefits for that week.

Just a heads up that after you file your initial claim you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. It's another online process through the same website and you have to do it even if you haven't received your first payment yet.

Don't forget you'll also need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirements. It's a separate website but Washington ESD will tell you about it after you file your claim.

been through this process twice now and honestly the hardest part is getting through to someone when you have questions. the automated phone system is a nightmare

Pro tip: file your claim early in the morning or late at night when the website isn't as busy. I tried filing at 2pm on a Tuesday and it was so slow it kept timing out.

Make sure you have a valid email address because Washington ESD sends all important notices electronically now. Check your spam folder regularly too because sometimes their emails end up there.

Filing is the easy part honestly. The real challenge comes if your claim gets flagged for adjudication. Then you're stuck waiting weeks or months for them to make a decision and good luck reaching anyone to check on the status.

does anyone know if you can file unemployment if you were working part time? i only worked 25 hours a week at my last job

I'm still confused about the whole SecureAccess Washington thing. Do I need to create that account first before I can file for unemployment?

Whatever you do, don't try to file multiple claims thinking it will speed things up. That will just flag your account for fraud investigation and delay everything even more.

The whole process seems so overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job. Take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck.

Final piece of advice - print out or screenshot everything once you submit your claim. Keep records of your confirmation numbers, any correspondence, and your weekly claim confirmations. You'll need them if there are any issues later.

Just wanted to add that if you need to speak to Washington ESD about your claim and can't get through their regular phone lines, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but they got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.