Hope everything works out smoothly for you. The job market is tough right now but at least unemployment benefits can help bridge the gap while you search.

Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, make sure to have your Social Security number, driver's license, and all employment records for the past 18 months ready. The system will ask for specific dates and wage information, so having everything organized beforehand will make the process much smoother. Also, if you have direct deposit set up from your previous claim, double-check that your bank account information is still current - it's one less thing to worry about if your claim gets approved quickly.

one thing to remember is that once ur on TB, the benefits last longer than regular unemployment! i think its like 26 weeks vs the normal 13 weeks or something? dont quote me on the exact numbers lol but def worth it if ur doing a longer training program

Update: I finally got through to ESD today! They confirmed that I CAN apply for Training Benefits while living out of state, as long as my unemployment claim is based on Washington work. The rep said I need to make sure my training program is on their approved provider list, which I can check online. If anyone else is in this situation - it is possible! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. I'm going to start my application this week.

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago when I needed income verification for a car loan. Here's what worked best for me: In your SecureAccess Washington account, go to "Unemployment Services" then look for "Payment Information" or "Claim Details." There's usually a "View/Print Payment Summary" option that gives you a clean document showing your weekly benefit amounts, payment dates, and total received. Make sure to print it with the full Washington ESD header visible - that official branding really helps with acceptance. If the basic payment history isn't detailed enough, you can also request a "Benefit Verification Letter" through the same system, which looks more formal and includes your claim period and weekly benefit amount on official letterhead. Good luck with your apartment application!

I just went through this process last week! The key is to log into your SecureAccess Washington account and navigate to the "Unemployment Services" section. From there, look for either "Payment History" or "Benefit Payment Information" - the exact wording can vary. Once you find it, you can generate a payment summary that shows all your unemployment payments with dates and amounts. This document includes the official Washington ESD header and footer, which makes it look professional and legitimate to landlords. I'd recommend printing it as a PDF first so you can review it before printing a hard copy. The document should include your name, claim number, weekly benefit amounts, and payment dates - which is exactly what most landlords need for income verification. If your landlord needs something even more formal looking, you can also request a "Benefit Verification Letter" through the same online portal, though that might take a day or two to generate.

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - being strung along for months thinking you'd return only to find out the company is closing permanently is incredibly stressful and unfortunately way too common these days. You've gotten excellent advice here about reporting your severance. I just want to add one thing that helped me when I went through something similar - make sure to ask ESD specifically about the "suitable work" requirements when you transition off standby. After 11 years at one company, they typically give you some time to find work in your field at a comparable wage before requiring you to accept lower-paying positions. Also, don't forget that some employment services like WorkSource offer free resume help and job search workshops. Since you've been at the same place for so long, it might be worth taking advantage of these resources to help you feel more confident about getting back into the job market. The uncertainty you've been dealing with is finally over, and while it's scary, at least now you can make concrete plans and move forward. After 11 years of experience, you have valuable skills that employers will want. Hang in there - you'll get through this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - being kept on standby for months only to find out your company is permanently closing is really tough. I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. Yes, you absolutely must report your severance pay on your weekly claims. The key thing is how your HR department words it in the paperwork. If they say it covers specific weeks (like "4 weeks severance pay" or "payment in lieu of notice"), ESD will spread it over that time period and you won't get unemployment benefits during those weeks. If it's just described as a lump sum without being tied to specific weeks, it typically only affects the week you receive it. The good news is that severance doesn't reduce your total benefit amount - you'll still be eligible for your full maximum weeks of unemployment, just potentially delayed. For your standby status, definitely be proactive about contacting ESD to switch to regular unemployment once your company makes the closure official. Don't wait for them to automatically figure it out - I made that mistake and it caused delays. You can update this through eServices or by calling directly. Keep all your severance documentation organized in case ESD has questions later. I know this whole situation is overwhelming after 11 years with the same company, but the job market is actually pretty decent right now. You'll get through this!

This is exactly the kind of information that should be clearer on the Washington ESD website. So many people are confused about partial benefits because the terminology isn't consistent everywhere.

I went through this exact same confusion a few months ago! What you're looking for is called "partial unemployment benefits" in Washington state. There's no separate application - you just continue filing your regular weekly claims and report your part-time earnings honestly. The system automatically calculates how much partial benefit you're eligible for based on what you earn versus your weekly benefit amount. Just make sure you report your gross earnings (before taxes) and include any tips if you get them. The key is being completely accurate with your reporting to avoid any overpayment issues later.