Washington Unemployment
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the ESD drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
When can I apply for unemployment again after my Washington ESD claim ended?
My unemployment benefits ran out in October and I'm still looking for work. I've been doing odd jobs here and there but nothing steady. Can I file a new claim with Washington ESD or do I have to wait a certain amount of time? I worked enough hours at my last job before the layoff but I'm not sure if those earnings count since I already used them for my previous claim. Anyone know the rules about reapplying?
Join the conversation
Washington ESD unemployment benefits count as gross income - tax implications?
I've been receiving Washington ESD unemployment benefits for about 8 weeks now and just realized I need to figure out if this counts as gross income for tax purposes. I'm getting $547 per week and wasn't sure if I should be setting money aside for taxes or if unemployment benefits are treated differently. Does anyone know how Washington ESD benefits are handled on tax returns? Should I be requesting tax withholding from my weekly claims?
Join the conversation
One more tip - keep all your documentation from Washington ESD including the 1099-G form they send you. If there are any discrepancies between what you received and what they report, you'll need to contact them to get it corrected before filing your taxes.
Good advice. I had an issue last year where my 1099-G was wrong and it took forever to get Washington ESD to issue a corrected form.
Exactly why it's important to keep your own records throughout the year. Makes it much easier to spot errors on the 1099-G when you receive it.
This thread has been super helpful! I had no idea unemployment was taxable. Going to call Washington ESD tomorrow to set up withholding... or maybe try that Claimyr thing if I can't get through.
Will do, thanks for the recommendation!
When do I apply for unemployment Washington ESD - timing questions
I'm getting laid off next Friday and wondering about the timing for filing my Washington ESD claim. Should I apply right after my last day of work or wait? I heard there's some kind of waiting period but I'm not sure how that works. Also do I need to have all my paperwork ready before I start the application or can I gather it as I go? Really stressed about getting this right since I need the benefits ASAP.
Join the conversation
Set up your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account ahead of time if you haven't already. That way you're ready to file immediately when the time comes instead of dealing with account setup when you're already stressed about being unemployed.
Oh that's smart! I can do that right now actually. Thanks for the tip!
Exactly! One less thing to worry about when you're dealing with job loss.
To wrap this up - file immediately after your last day of work, have your employer info ready, don't worry about having every document perfect, and start your job search right away. You've got this!
Thank you everyone! This was super helpful. I feel much more confident about the timing now.
Good luck with everything! The unemployment system can be frustrating but you'll get through it.
How to apply for more unemployment benefits after exhausting regular Washington ESD claim?
My regular UI benefits just ran out last week after 26 weeks and I'm still unemployed. I thought there might be extended benefits or something else I could apply for but I can't find clear info on the Washington ESD website. Do I need to file a new claim or is there some kind of extension program? I've been looking for work this whole time and documenting everything in WorkSourceWA like required. Really stressed about this since I still haven't found anything and bills are piling up.
Join the conversation
Keep an eye on the Washington ESD news and announcements page. Sometimes new programs get announced with short application windows.
I'll bookmark that page. Thanks for all the advice everyone, this has been really helpful.
Hope you get through to an agent soon. The Claimyr thing really did help me avoid the phone runaround if you decide to try it.
One last thing - if you do get approved for any extension, the payments might be delayed while they process everything. Don't panic if it takes a few weeks.
How long of a delay are we talking about typically?
Could be 2-4 weeks for processing, but they'll backpay you to when you were eligible. Just keep filing your weekly claims.
How much does unemployment pay in Washington - need to know payment amounts
I might need to file for unemployment soon and I'm trying to figure out if the payments will cover my basic expenses. Does anyone know how much Washington ESD pays per week? I've been making around $65,000 a year at my current job but I'm not sure how they calculate the benefit amount. Also wondering if there are any deductions or taxes taken out automatically?
Join the conversation
The weekly benefit amount stays the same throughout your entire benefit year unless you have a new claim with different wages. So whatever you qualify for initially is what you'll get for all 26 weeks (assuming you remain eligible).
That makes sense and helps with budgeting. At least I'll know exactly what to expect each week.
Just remember you still have to file every week and meet the job search requirements to keep getting payments.
One last tip - set up direct deposit when you file your claim. Paper checks take forever and can get lost in the mail. Direct deposit hits your account every Tuesday like clockwork if you file by the deadline.
Definitely will do direct deposit. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This gives me a much better idea of what to expect.
Good luck with everything! The Washington ESD system can be complicated but once you get familiar with it, the weekly claims become pretty routine.
Haley Stokes
Filing online vs calling in - any recommendations? I remember the website being glitchy when I filed my first claim but maybe it's better now?
0 coins
Ellie Perry
The website is definitely more stable than it was during the pandemic. I'd try online first, but if you run into issues or need to check on status, that's when calling (or using Claimyr) becomes necessary.
0 coins
Haley Stokes
Good to know. I'll give the website a shot first.
0 coins
Asher Levin
This thread is super helpful! I've been putting off applying for months thinking it was too complicated. Sounds like I should just go for it.
0 coins
Natalia Stone
AuthorSame here! Everyone's advice has been really valuable. Going to gather my documents and file this week.
0 coins
Landon Morgan
Just make sure you meet the wage requirements first. No point in filing if you don't have enough qualifying earnings.
0 coins