Why is filing for unemployment so difficult with Washington ESD?

At least you got to the weekly claim part! I can't even get past the initial application without some kind of technical error.

Try using Chrome instead of Safari or Edge. The Washington ESD site seems to work better with Chrome in my experience.

Thanks for the timing tip! I didn't realize there were peak hours. What employment history details do they need exactly?

You'll need employer names, addresses, phone numbers, your job titles, start and end dates, and gross wages earned. Also reason for separation from each job.

18 months seems like a lot but I guess they need to calculate your benefit amount somehow

Never heard of this Claimyr thing. Is it legit or some kind of scam?

It's legitimate, you can check out claimyr.com. They basically autodial for you and wait in the queue so you don't have to. Saved me hours of frustration.

This sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. How much does it cost?

I'd rather pay something than waste entire days trying to get through myself. The time savings alone was worth it for my situation.

While the system has issues, I don't think it's intentionally broken. More likely just underfunded and outdated technology that can't handle the volume.

UNDERFUNDED?? They collect millions in UI taxes from employers every year. Where does that money go if not to make the system work properly??

probably goes to executive bonuses lol

I didn't know you could save progress! That would have saved me from starting over multiple times.

The SAW account setup was confusing too. Why do we need a separate login system just for unemployment?

SAW is used for multiple Washington state services, not just unemployment. It's their unified login system.

If you were laid off due to lack of work, that's different from quitting or being fired. Look for options like 'lack of work' or 'reduction in force' or just 'laid off'.

Thank you! I was overthinking it. The terminology is just confusing when you're stressed about everything.

I had the same confusion about the separation reason. The form makes it seem like there are only bad reasons to leave a job.

5 attempts?! That's ridiculous but good to know I'm not the only one having to try multiple times.

Same here, persistence is key with this system unfortunately

Good point about ad blockers! I never thought of that affecting government websites.

I'll try this. I do have several browser extensions running that might be causing issues.

This is exactly why I ended up trying Claimyr. I was in the same situation - calling hundreds of times with no success. At least with their service someone else deals with the calling frustration.

I might have to look into that. This is ridiculous that we need a third party service just to talk to our own state agency.

Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. I got through on the second ring last Tuesday.

That's smart. I kept having to look things up while filling out the form and then losing my progress when it timed out.

I made a spreadsheet with all my employment history. Made the whole process much faster when I had to refile later.

There's a difference between preventing fraud and making the system so difficult that eligible people can't access benefits they paid into.

Fair point. The balance isn't quite right when legitimate claimants are struggling this much.

You should still file if you're eligible! Job searching and collecting unemployment aren't mutually exclusive. You're required to look for work while claiming benefits anyway.

Really? I thought you couldn't collect unemployment if you were actively job hunting.

No, it's the opposite - you MUST be actively job hunting to remain eligible for unemployment benefits in Washington.

That matches what someone else said about avoiding peak hours. I'll try filing at like 6 AM tomorrow.

Your cousin have any other inside tips? Like best days of the week or anything?

She said Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally less busy than Mondays and Fridays.

6 hours?! That's insane. I'm glad I'm not the only one having these issues but this is clearly a systemic problem.

At least you got it done eventually! I'm still stuck on the employment history section.

I hadn't thought of trying mobile! Worth a shot if my computer keeps giving me problems.

Mobile worked for me too! The interface is simpler and seems more stable.

You can use the WorkSourceWA website to track your job searches, which integrates with your unemployment claim. Makes the weekly reporting much easier.

I didn't know about WorkSourceWA integration! That would save so much time.

Wait, there are weekly requirements after you file? Nobody mentioned that part to me.

Then they need to invest in better technology instead of making us suffer through this broken system.

Government IT projects take forever though. By the time they upgrade it'll probably be outdated again.

Error 500 is usually a server error, not something you did wrong. It means their system is having problems, not your application.

That's helpful to know! I kept thinking I was filling something out incorrectly.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's easy to get discouraged when everything seems to be working against you.

This is good perspective. Sometimes we need to remember that we're not asking for charity - we paid into this system.

I'm seriously considering this option. How did the phone appointment work exactly?

They basically handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Much less stressful than doing it yourself.