Call ESD

Washington Unemployment

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
Fox KTVUABC 7CBSSan Francisco Chronicle


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 :)

Cameron Black

What is the unemployment rate right now in Washington - how does this affect my claim?

I've been hearing different numbers about what the unemployment rate is right now and I'm wondering how this affects my unemployment claim with Washington ESD. Does anyone know the current rate? I'm worried that if unemployment is going down, they might be stricter about approving claims or requiring more job search activities. My claim has been in adjudication for 2 weeks and I'm starting to panic about whether the current job market situation will work against me.

Update: I finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Took about 25 minutes and the agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim. Definitely worth it if you're having trouble getting through on your own.

0 coins

They needed additional verification from my employer about my separation date. Something I could have provided weeks ago if I'd known.

0 coins

This is exactly why I'm going to try Claimyr too. Been waiting 3 weeks with no communication.

0 coins

Bottom line - 4.2% unemployment is good news for the economy but doesn't change how Washington ESD processes individual claims. Focus on your specific situation and don't stress about the big picture numbers.

0 coins

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much better about my situation now.

0 coins

Astrid Bergström

Does unemployment come from social security - Washington ESD benefit confusion

I'm really confused about where my unemployment money actually comes from. I keep seeing different things online and my neighbor told me that unemployment benefits are part of social security, but then someone else said that's completely wrong. I just filed my first claim with Washington ESD and I'm trying to understand if this affects my social security benefits later or if they're totally separate things. Can someone explain how this actually works? I don't want to mess up my future retirement benefits by collecting unemployment now.

If you need to verify any of this information directly with Washington ESD, I'd recommend trying that Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier. I tried calling Washington ESD myself dozens of times and could never get through. Claimyr got me connected in like 20 minutes.

0 coins

I might do that if I have more questions. Right now I feel much better understanding that these are separate programs.

0 coins

Smart to get official confirmation when you can. These forum discussions are helpful but nothing beats talking to the actual agency.

0 coins

Just to add one more point - unemployment benefits are also taxable income, while Social Security benefits may or may not be taxable depending on your total income. Another difference between the programs.

0 coins

Good to know about the taxes. I'll make sure to set some money aside or have taxes withheld from my unemployment payments.

0 coins

Yes, you can choose to have federal taxes withheld from your Washington ESD payments when you certify your weekly claims. Highly recommended to avoid a big tax bill later.

0 coins

Lucas Adams

Can you receive Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired from your job?

I got terminated from my warehouse job last week for what they called 'performance issues' but I think it was really because I complained about unsafe working conditions. My supervisor wrote me up twice in the past month for things that other employees do all the time. I'm worried about whether I can get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD since I was fired instead of laid off. Has anyone been in this situation? What are my chances of getting approved?

been following this thread and it's really helpful. i'm in HR and see this situation a lot. employers sometimes think firing someone automatically disqualifies them from unemployment but that's not how it works. the reason for termination is what matters.

0 coins

From an HR perspective, does my situation sound like something that would qualify for benefits?

0 coins

Based on what you've described - performance issues combined with safety complaints and sudden write-ups after two years of good performance - yes, I think you have a strong case for approval.

0 coins

Update for everyone following: I filed my claim this morning after reading this thread. Process was easier than I expected. Now just waiting to see what happens with adjudication. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice!

0 coins

Good for you for taking action. Keep us posted on how it goes. Your experience will help others in similar situations.

0 coins

Good luck! The waiting is the hardest part but at least you got the process started.

0 coins

Daniel Rogers

How do I pay unemployment taxes back to Washington ESD?

I just got a letter from Washington ESD saying I owe unemployment taxes on benefits I received last year. The notice shows I owe $1,847 but I'm confused about how to actually pay this back. The letter mentions something about quarterly payments but doesn't give clear instructions on where to send payment or if I can pay online. Has anyone dealt with this before? I want to get this resolved quickly before any penalties kick in.

Just want to add that if you do end up needing to appeal this or get more information, don't wait too long. Most deadlines with Washington ESD are pretty strict and they're not always flexible about extensions.

0 coins

Good point. I've been putting this off for a few days already. Better to handle it now than regret waiting later.

0 coins

Exactly. Even if you just call to ask questions, that shows you're being proactive about resolving it.

0 coins

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to try the online payment system first, and if that doesn't work I'll look into that Claimyr service to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. Really appreciate all the different perspectives on this.

0 coins

Good luck! Let us know how it goes - your experience might help someone else in the same situation.

0 coins

Will do! This thread has been way more helpful than anything I found on the Washington ESD website.

0 coins

Vera Visnjic

Can you collect unemployment and still work in Washington ESD system?

I just got laid off from my full-time job at a manufacturing plant but I have a part-time gig doing deliveries on weekends that I want to keep. Can I still file for Washington ESD unemployment benefits while working part-time? I'm worried they'll deny my claim if I'm earning any money at all. The part-time work only gives me about 15 hours a week and maybe $200-300. My regular job was paying $4,200 monthly so this is a huge drop. Do I need to report this income when I file my weekly claims?

One more tip - keep detailed records of your work hours and earnings. I use a simple spreadsheet with dates, hours worked, and gross pay. Makes filing the weekly claims much easier and gives you backup if there are ever questions.

0 coins

Smart! I wish I had done that from the beginning. Had to reconstruct my work history when Washington ESD asked for clarification.

0 coins

Same here - keep everything organized from the start and you'll save yourself headaches later.

0 coins

Bottom line - yes you can work and collect unemployment in Washington, just be honest about it. The partial benefit system is actually designed to help people in exactly your situation. Good luck with the job search!

0 coins

Thank you everyone! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

0 coins

Glad we could help! Just remember to report everything and keep looking for full-time work. You'll get through this.

0 coins

Prev1...843844845846847...2231Next