


Ask the community...
One last tip - if your claim gets denied for any reason, you have the right to appeal. Don't just give up if you think the decision is wrong. The appeal process exists for a reason.
just wanted to add that if you're really struggling financially while waiting for benefits to start, look into local food banks and assistance programs. there's no shame in getting help when you need it
I went through this whole process last year and the key thing is staying organized. Keep records of everything - your job applications, contacts with employers, any communication from Washington ESD. You never know when you might need to reference something.
One last thing - don't be surprised if your first payment takes a while even after you're approved. There can be delays with the debit card being mailed or direct deposit being set up. Just be patient and make sure your banking/address info is correct.
The confusion might come from the fact that some states have small employee contributions to disability insurance or family leave programs. But unemployment insurance is always employer-funded.
OP you should double check your W-2 or pay stubs to see what taxes were actually taken out. You'll see Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, but no unemployment tax deduction for employees.
Don't let them intimidate you during the process. Employers sometimes try to make terminations sound worse than they were to avoid paying unemployment taxes.
QuantumQuest
Just wanted to add that if you have direct deposit set up, payments usually come on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Without direct deposit, you'll get a debit card in the mail which takes longer.
0 coins
Jamal Anderson
•The debit card option has fees for some transactions, so direct deposit is definitely better if you can do it.
0 coins
Mei Zhang
For anyone else reading this thread later - you can also file by phone if absolutely necessary, but the online system at esd.wa.gov is much faster and available 24/7. Phone filing is only recommended if you have no internet access.
0 coins
Javier Garcia
•Good point, though getting through by phone is nearly impossible these days. That's why services like Claimyr are so helpful - they can actually get you connected to speak with someone at Washington ESD when you need help.
0 coins