Why can't I file my unemployment claim with Washington ESD - keeps getting rejected

Yeah I'm on the right site. I tried different browsers but still getting the same error when I enter my work history.

this happened to me too, the site is garbage especially during busy times

I think this might be it. My company got bought out last year so the name changed. Should I use the old name or new name?

Use whatever name appears on your most recent paystub and W-2. If the buyout happened mid-year, you might need to list both companies as separate employers.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke and can't afford to pay for something that should be free.

It's worth it to actually talk to someone who can walk you through the filing process. Way better than being stuck for weeks trying to figure it out yourself.

Never heard of this but might be worth trying if the regular system isn't working

I get your frustration but yelling in caps doesn't help solve the technical issue. The system does have problems but there are usually workarounds.

honestly though they're right, the system sucks

Good idea about the timing. I was trying during lunch breaks which is probably when everyone else is too.

This worked for me! Filed at 6 AM and went right through with no problems.

Ha! I double-checked and I'm definitely using the right SSN. But thanks for the reminder to verify all the basic info.

We've all done something like that before, don't worry about it!

I did file back in 2019 but that claim ended a long time ago. How do I know if I need to reopen vs file new?

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and check if there's an old claim showing. If there is, you'll see an option to reopen instead of file new.

This is probably the answer! Old claims mess up the system all the time.

I didn't know you could still file in person! Is there an appointment needed or can you just walk in?

I just walked in but had to wait about an hour. Bring all your paperwork and ID. They were really helpful though.

Where do I find my employer's federal tax ID? I don't think I have that information.

It should be on your W-2 form or paystub. If you don't have it, you can usually find it on your company's website or call HR.

Actually, you don't always need the federal tax ID for the initial application. The employer name and address are usually sufficient.

47 times?! That's insane. I tried calling a few times but gave up after getting busy signals.

The phone system is definitely the worst part of dealing with Washington ESD. At least the online filing works sometimes.

My last day was 2 weeks ago so that's not the issue, but good point for others who might be reading this.

Will do! I'm going to try the early morning filing and double-check my employment dates. If that doesn't work I might try that Claimyr thing or go to WorkSource in person.

Hope you get it sorted out soon. The waiting is the worst part when you need the money.

That's a really good point. I might have the wrong start date since I had a probationary period before becoming a regular employee.

Exactly! The probation period usually doesn't count as your official start date for unemployment purposes.

This explains why my application got rejected the first time. Had to call my old job to get the right dates.

I'll try that! I was only using my laptop so maybe my phone will work better.

I had no idea state reps could help with this stuff. That's really good to know as a last resort.

Yeah they have constituent services for exactly these kinds of bureaucratic problems.