Washington Unemployment
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Who pays unemployment when a business closes in Washington state?
My company just announced they're shutting down permanently at the end of next month. I've been working there for 3 years and this is my first time dealing with unemployment. I'm confused about who actually pays the benefits - is it Washington ESD, my employer, or some kind of insurance? I want to make sure I understand the process before I file my claim. Also wondering if there's anything different about filing when it's a business closure versus getting laid off from a company that's still operating.
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When can I reapply for unemployment benefits after my Washington ESD claim ended?
My unemployment claim ended about 6 months ago and I've been working part-time since then but just lost that job. I'm wondering when can I reapply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD? Do I need to wait a certain amount of time or can I file a new claim right away? Also not sure if this would be a new claim or if I can somehow reopen my old one. The Washington ESD website isn't super clear about this situation.
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Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Sounds like I should just go ahead and file a new claim online and not overthink it. Appreciate all the advice about keeping good records and being thorough with employment history.
Same here! This thread was super helpful. Going to file tomorrow and make sure I have all my employment details ready.
Good luck! The process really isn't as complicated as it seems once you get started.
Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and banking info for direct deposit ready. The application will ask for all of that upfront. Also, if you worked in multiple states since your last claim, you might need to file an interstate claim instead - the system will guide you through that if it applies. Good luck with your new application!
Can't find WorkSource appointment scheduling link after clicking email - help?
Hi everyone! I got an email from ESD saying I need to schedule a WorkSource appointment (mandatory for continued benefits I guess??). But when I click the scheduling link in the email, it just takes me to the regular unemployment homepage. I've spent the last hour clicking around trying to find where to actually schedule this appointment, but I'm getting nowhere. The deadline is coming up and I'm worried about losing benefits. Has anyone else had this problem? Where the heck is the actual scheduling page?? Any help would be REALLY appreciated!
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I had the same exact problem a few months ago and it was so frustrating! The ESD email links are basically useless. What worked for me was going straight to WorkSourceWA.com like others mentioned, but I also want to add that if you're having trouble finding available appointments at your preferred location, try checking nearby offices too. Sometimes they have more availability and it's worth the extra drive to get it done before your deadline. Also, once you complete the appointment, it can take a few days for it to show up as completed in your ESD records, so don't panic if it doesn't update immediately. Keep that confirmation screenshot handy just in case!
That's really good advice about checking nearby offices! I didn't think about that - I was only looking at the one closest to me and there were hardly any slots available. And thanks for the heads up about the delay in updating ESD records. I was wondering how long that usually takes. Did you have any issues with ESD not recognizing that you completed the appointment, or did it eventually sync up properly on their end?
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Got the ESD email yesterday about scheduling a WorkSource appointment and have been clicking that broken link for hours. So relieved to find this thread and learn that I need to go to WorkSourceWA.com instead - no wonder I couldn't find anything on the ESD site! Quick question for those who've been through this: do I need to bring any specific documents to the appointment, or is it more of an informational session? My deadline is next week and I want to make sure I'm fully prepared. Thanks so much for all the helpful info everyone has shared here!
Washington ESD unemployment taxes - confused about the two types I keep hearing about
I'm trying to understand something about unemployment taxes that's been bugging me. I keep hearing there are two different types of unemployment taxes but I can't find a clear explanation anywhere. Is one paid by employers and one by employees? Or are they both employer taxes? I'm asking because I'm starting a small business next year and want to make sure I understand all my tax obligations. Also wondering if this affects my current unemployment claim in any way since I'm still collecting benefits while doing some freelance work. Can someone break this down for me?
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Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has cleared up a lot of confusion for me. I feel much more prepared to handle the tax side when I officially start my business.
Glad we could help! Feel free to ask if you run into more questions when you get started.
And remember about Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at ESD directly. Sometimes it's worth getting professional help navigating the system.
This has been such an informative thread! I'm in a similar situation - currently on unemployment but planning to start freelancing more seriously next year. One thing I'm still unclear on: when you transition from being an unemployment claimant to being an employer who pays these taxes, is there any overlap period I need to worry about? Like if I'm still collecting benefits while building up my client base, then eventually hire someone - do I need to notify ESD about the change in my status somehow?
What is sub pay for unemployment in Washington ESD?
I'm trying to figure out what sub pay means when it comes to unemployment benefits. I've been hearing this term from other people at the WorkSource office but nobody seems to give me a clear answer. Does this affect my weekly benefit amount or my eligibility? I'm currently receiving regular UI benefits but wondering if there's some kind of substitute payment I should know about. Anyone familiar with this term?
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This thread is super helpful! I was also confused about some unemployment terminology. Glad to know I'm not the only one who gets mixed up by all the different terms people use.
Right? There's so much unofficial slang mixed in with the official terms that it gets confusing fast.
I'm new to unemployment benefits and this whole thread has been really educational! I was also hearing confusing terminology at my local WorkSource office. It sounds like the key takeaway is that Washington ESD doesn't officially use "sub pay" - it's probably just informal language people use. I'm glad to see there are resources like that Claimyr service for when you need to actually speak with someone, since I've heard the phone lines are nearly impossible to get through on. Thanks everyone for clarifying all the official benefit types vs. the slang terms!
Lukas Fitzgerald
Just remember that even though Washington ESD pays the benefits, the money ultimately comes from a system that employers pay into. It's not charity or welfare - it's insurance that was paid for on your behalf throughout your employment.
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Noah huntAce420
AuthorThat's a good way to think about it. Makes me feel less weird about filing for benefits.
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Ev Luca
Exactly! You earned this coverage through your work. No shame in using insurance when you need it.
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Isabella Santos
I went through this exact situation two years ago when my retail company closed all their Washington locations. The process was actually pretty smooth - filed online the day after my last shift and got approved within about 10 days. Just make sure you have your Social Security number, employment dates, and employer contact info ready when you file. The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD handles everything once you submit your claim - your employer has already paid their part through the unemployment insurance taxes they've been contributing all along. Don't stress too much about it, business closures are one of the most straightforward unemployment cases.
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