Where to go to sign up for unemployment in Washington - need help with initial claim process

Thanks! Do I need to wait until a certain day to file or can I do it right away?

File as soon as possible! Your claim effective date is based on when you file, not when you lost your job. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start.

45 minutes sounds reasonable. Is there anything tricky about the process I should watch out for?

Just make sure all your employment dates and wages are accurate. If you mess up the employer information it can delay your claim processing.

How does that service work exactly? Do they charge you to call?

They basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to a real person at Washington ESD. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting busy signals.

Good point about the bank info. Should I set up direct deposit right away or wait?

Set it up during the initial claim if you can. It's faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail.

I agree it's not the most intuitive design. Look for the 'File a New Claim' button on the main page after you log in.

thanks i'll look for that button

Weekly claims? I thought it was just the one initial application?

No, you have to file every week to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work. It's like checking in with the system.

Exactly right. You file weekly claims online every Sunday for the previous week. It's required to receive benefits.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, contacting employers directly, working with recruiters - there's a list on the Washington ESD website of what qualifies.

I only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Then you're all set to file in Washington. Just make sure you have all your Washington employer information ready.

What are the other requirements? I worked full-time for 2 years at my last job.

You need to have earned enough wages during your base period and be able and available for work. With 2 years of full-time work you should easily meet the wage requirements.

Good thinking! I'll definitely do that.

Smart advice. I always screenshot important stuff like that now.

Is that separate from the unemployment application or part of it?

It's separate but you'll need to do it within a certain timeframe after filing your claim. The Washington ESD website will give you the details.

I was skeptical about using a third-party service but honestly it worked great when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status.

Exactly! Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person and they make that possible.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to file tonight.

Good luck! Feel free to ask if you run into any issues.

I'll use my laptop instead of my phone to be safe.

Smart choice. The desktop version is much more reliable.

That sounds about right for 2025. The exact amount depends on your earnings during your base period.

How do they calculate what you get? Is it a percentage of your old salary?

It's based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period. The formula is on the Washington ESD website.

I did get a small severance payment. Will that delay my benefits?

It might depending on the amount. Washington ESD will review it and let you know if it affects your claim.

That's not too bad. I was worried it would take months.

As long as there are no issues with your claim, it should be pretty quick. Issues like employer disputes can slow things down.

Good to know there are options if I need to talk to someone.

Yeah, it's nice to have that backup plan when you really need to speak with an agent.

Thanks again everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about the process now.

You're welcome! Good luck with your claim and your job search.